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SEYMOUR  DURST 


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MINUTES 

of 

Commissioners 

for 

Conspiracies 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/minutesofcommissOOnewy 


Vol.  2,  Frontispiece 


s^i^u*  .yfff'jtrda/A/  /lawny  <?0m&  /tne<.  dar*  Jaj£en.  A/^Ju^tehwi 


i  iJtCt/v 


Rough  Draft  of  Minutes  (an  insert),  with 
Emendations  by  Gansevoort 


(One-half  reduced) 


MINUTES  of  the 

Commissioners  for  detecting 

and  defeating  Conspiracies 

IN  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK 


Albany  County  Sessions,  i  778-1 781 

Edited  by  Victor  Hugo  Paltsits,  State  Historian 


Volume  II  :  i 780-1 781 


Published  by  the  State   of  New  York,  Albany,  1909 


Met  Albany  3-1  January  1780 

Present 

John  M  Beeckman  )  (M   ,       Ar  , 

Y  <  Mathew  Visscher 

Isaac  D  Fonda       )  ( 

Isaac  Lamb  for  whose  Apprehension  a  Warrant  [was]  issued 
on  the  31st  Ultimo  having  been  Apprehended  was  brought 
before  the  Board  on  being  Examined  he  says  that  in  the  year 
1777  he  went  to  Burgoyne  to  which  he  was  persuaded  byMose 
Dormen  and  others  that  he  after  wards  went  to  New  York 
where  he  has  remained  since  that  Thomas  Wiltsie  is  come 
with  him  from  New  York  his  Examination  [128]  is  in  the 
following  Words  (to  wit)    (see  Examination  on  the  File) 

Resolved  that  the  said  Isaac  Lamb  be  committed  and  that 
a  Mittimus  be  made  for  him  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  5  January  1780 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Renselaer  )       (  A,   ,       ,7.  , 
i        _.  „     .  \  Mathew  Visscher 

Isaac  D  fonda  )  ( 

Whereas  it  has  appeared  to  this  Board  that  Rudolfh 
Schoenmaker,  Johan  Jost  Schoenmaker  and  a  Negro  Man 
Slave  of  the  said  Rudolfh  Schoenmaker  have  been  lately 
committed  to  the  Custody  of  Anthony  Van  Veghten  Esq! 
high  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Tryon  by  Virtue  of  a  certain 
Instrument  in  Writing  under  the  Hands  of  W™  Petry  Hendrick 
Herchemer  and  Peter  Ballinger  Esq^  for  Crimes  supposed 
to  be  committed  by  the  said  Rudolfh  Schoenmaker  &  Johan 
Jost  Schoenmaker  in  the  year  1777  &  as  the  said  Rudolfh 
Schoenmaker  has  lately  for  the  same  sopposed  Crimes 


432 


State  of  New  York 


Jaa.  14 


1780  been  bound  by  us  in  a  Recognizance  to  appear  at  the  next 
Court  of  Oyer  &  Terminer  to  be  held  in  the  County  of 
Tryon  and  permitted  in  Consequence  thereof  to  go  at  large 
&  as  it  appears  to  us  as  well  from  the  said  Instrument  in 
Writing  as  other  Information  that  the  supposed  Crimes 
w[h]erewith  the  said  Johan  Jost  Schoenmaker  and  the  said 
Negro  Man  Slave  are  groundless  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  an  Order  be  made  out  to 
the  said  Anthony  Van  Veghten  Esq-  to  discharge  from  his 
Custody  the  said  Rudolph  Schoonmaker,  Johan  Jost  Schoen- 
maker and  the  said  Negro  Man  Slave  — 

Adjourned  — 

*J7&0a  Met  Albany  14th  January  1780 

Present 

lohn  M  Beekman  )       (  T  t-  j 

J  >      <  Isaac  D  i'onda 

Mathew  Vischer    )  ( 

Philip  Empey  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
our  Permission  to  go  &  visit  his  Family  at  Bowman's  Kill  — 
[129]  Resolved  that  they  [sic]  said  Philip  Empey  have 
permission  Granted  him  for  that  purpose  and  that  he  return 
to  the  Place  to  which  he  is  restricted  by  his  Recognizance  in 
one  Forthnight  from  this  Day  — 

Isaac  Lamb  who  was  one  the  3d  Instant  confined  was 
brought  before  the  Board  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 
from  his  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for 
his  good  Behaviour  Appearing  before  us  on  the  first  Day  of 
February  next  and  also  appearing  before  the  Board  when 
thereunto  required 

Isaac  Lamb  on  Recognizance  in   £1000 

David  Sprague  his  Bail  in   £  500 

John  Cormichael  also  his  Bail  in   £  500 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  433 


Resolved  that  Alexander  Squire  enter  into  a  Recognizance  17C0 
for  his  good  Behaviour  &  appearing  on  the  first  Day  of 
February  next  or  when  required  — 

Alexander  Squire  on  Recognizance  in   £5000 

Gurdin  Squire  his  Bail  in   £5000 — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  21st  January  1780  1780 
Present  ^aa' 

John  M  Beekman  )       {  T        r\  t?  1 
■[  >      <  Isaac  D  fonda 

Mathew  Vischer    )  ( 

Jacob  Merkle  of  Tryon  County  confined  for  disaffection 
was  brought  before  the  Board  resolved  that  be  be  Discharged 
from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a 
sufficient  Surety  for  his  future  good  Behaviour  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissi  for  Conspiracies  when 
Called  upon  — 

Jacob  Merkle  of  Tryon  CountyFarmer  in.  £1000 
John  Breadfrick  of  Stonerabia  in  Tryon 

County  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £  500 

Adjourned  — 

[130]  Met  Albany  26th  January  1780  1780 

Jan.  26. 

Present 

John  M  Beeckman  I       (u   ,      T7.  , 
■i  >      <  Mathew  Vischer 

Isaac  D  tonda       )  ( 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  William 
True  of  Kinderhook  is  a  person  whose  going  at  Large  may 
prove  dangerous  to  the  Safety  of  the  State  &  that  it  is 
necessary  he  Should  be  Confined  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  Warrant  be  made  out 


434 


State  of  New  York 


1780  directed  to  Lieu-  Reuben  Murry  to  take  to  his  Assistance 
Jan.  26.  / 

two  Men  &  apprehend  the  said  William  True  and  forth- 
with bring  him  before  us  — 

Adjourned 

1780  Met  Albany  Ist  February  1780 

Feb.  i.  t,  J  31 

rresent 

Teremiah  Van  Renselaer  )       (  T  t-  j 

\      \  Isaac  D  ronda 
Mathew  Visscher  )  ( 

Resolved  that  Andrew  Squire  who  was  taken  Prisoner  at 
Stoney  Point  be  permitted  to  go  at  large  in  the  District  of 
Schaactikoke  untill  Called  upon  to  be  Exchanged  on  Enter- 
ing into  a  Recognizance  to  appear  before  the  Commissary 
of  Prisoners  or  any  other  Authority  of  this  State  when 
called  upon  — 

Andrew  Squire  on  Recognizance  in   £500 

Gurdin  Squire  his  Bail  in  £500 

William  True  alias  Comfort  Carpenter  for  whose  Appre- 
hension a  Warrant  was  made  out  on  the  26th  Ultimo  was 
brought  before  the  Board  Resolved  that  he  be  confined  & 
that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Resolved  that  Stephen  Astin  be  discharged  on  entering 
into  Recognizance  for  his  Appearance  at  the  Next  Supreme 
Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  and  that  in  the  same 
time  be  of  Good  Behaviour 

Stephen  Astin  on  Recognizance  in   £1000 

Isaac  Shelden  his  bail  in   £  500 

Hosea  Hamilton  also  his  Bail  ..in  £  500 

Adjourned 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  435 


[131]  Met  Albany  2^  February  1780  F»78o 

Present 

John  M  Beekman 
Jeremiah  V.  Renselaer 

Edward  Finn  who  was  some  time  ago  Liberated  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  D- 
George  Smith  as  his  Surety  laid  Before  the  board  a  Petition 
wherein  he  sets  forth  the  Difficulties  he  Labours  under  from 
his  being  restricted  to  these  &  requesting  Permission  to 
go  to  Ballstown  for  the  Purpose  of  Keeping  a  School,  and 
the  said  George  Smith  appearing  before  us  and  requesting 
to  be  Discharged  from  the  Recognizance  by  him  entered 
into  for  the  said  Edward  Finn  — 

Resolved  that  the  Said  Edward  Finn  be  informed  that 
the  Board  will  take  the  said  Petition  into  Consideration 
and  will  give  him  an  answer  to  the  Same  on  the  5th  Instant 

Also  Resolved  that  Dr  George  Smith  be  discharged  from 
his  Recognizance  as  Surety  for  the  said  Edward  Finn  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  5th  February  1780 

Present 

John  M  Beekman  )       (  AT   ,       „•  , 

J        ,  >      -  Alatnew  Visscher 

Jeremiah  Van  Renselaer  )  (. 

Edward  Finn  who  was  ordered  to  attend  the  Board  this 
Day  to  receive  an  answer  to  the  Petition  presented  to  us  on 
the  2~  Instant  appeared  agreeable  to  the  said  Order  — 

Whereupon  it  is  resolved  that  the  said  Edward  Finn  have 
Permission  to  go  to  Ballstown  on  his  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance to  remain  in  the  District  of  Ballstown  until  Called 
upon  by  us  and  not  to  Depart  the  said  Limits  without  Leave 


-j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 


1780 
Feb.  5. 


436 


State  of  New  York 


Feb8°5.  obtamed  for  that  Purpose  from  Col1-  James  Gordon  and  to 
behave  himself  peaceably  and  as  a  good  Subject  of  the 
State  — 

Edward  Finn  Schoolmaster  on  Recognizance 

in   £5°o 

Adjourned 

1780        [132]  Met  Albany  6th  February  1780 

Feb.  6. 

Present 

John  M  Beekman  )       (  T        _  _^  , 
;»   1      tt.  ,        f      ■{  Isaac  D  Jhonda 
Mathew  Vissher    j  ( 

Alexander  Hubs  appeared  according  to  an  order  of  this 
Board  and  being  examined  in  the  Respect  to  Benjamin 
Davis  Andries  Ten  Eyck  Junr  &  Christian  Legrange  saith 
as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  the  File) 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Examination  that 
the  s-  Christian  Legrange  enter  into  a  Recognizance  with 
a  Sufficient  Surety  for  his  Appearance  at  the  next  Supreme 
Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City 
on  the  Third  Tuesday  in  April  next  &  in  the  mean  time 
be  of  the  good  Behaviour  towards  all  and  every  the  liege 
Subjects  of  this  State 

Christian  Legrange  on  Recognizance  in   £500 

Thomas  Lottridge  his  Bail  in   £200 

Resolved  that  the  above  Mentioned  Andries  Ten  Eyck 
Junr  enter  into  a  Recognizance  &  that  he  be  bound  in  every 
like  Respect  [as]  Christian  Legrange 

Andries  Ten  Eyck  Junr  On  Recognizance  in  £500 
William  Burnside  his  Bail  in  £250 

Adjourned 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  437 


Met  Albany  7th  February  1780 

Present 

John  M  Beekman  )       (  T  j 
i/r  1       )  -Isaac  u  ronda 

Mathew  Visscher   )  ( 

Resolved  that  Isaac  Lamb  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  to  appear  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called 
upon  or  before  any  other  Judicial  Authority  if  required  & 
do  his  Duty  &  be  of  the  good  Behaviour  towards  all  the 
liege  Subjects  of  this  State  for  and  during  the  Continuance 


of  three  Years 

Isaac  Lamb  on  Recognizance  in   £600 

David  Sprauge  [sic]  his  Bail  in   i>3°o 

Alexander  Hubs  also  his  Bail  in   £3°° 


Resolved  that  William  True  Alias  Comfort  Carpenter  be 
discharged  from  Confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance with  Sufficient  Sureties  for  his  Appearance  at  the 
next  Supreme  Court  of  Judi-  [133]  cature  to  be  held  at  the 
City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next 
&  not  to  Depart  the  Court  without  Leave  and  also  for  his 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  and  for  his  good  and 
peaceable  Behaviour 

William  True  on  Kinderhook  District  Physi- 


cian in   £1000 

Elijah  Hudson  of  Kings  District  his  Bail  in.  £  500 
Henry  Bush  of  the  same  Place  also  his  Bail 

in   £  500 

Jesse  White  of  the  same  Place  also  Bail  in.  £  500 

Adjourned 


1780 
Feb.  7. 


43§ 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Met  Albany  8th  February  1780 

Feb.  8.  T-v 

Present 

John  M  Beeckman  )  (  T  t-  j 

at   1      tt-     1        f  )  lsaac  D.  ronda 

Mathew  Visscner     )  ( 

The  Board  having  been  informed  that  Mathew  Brown 
James  Brown  &  James  Brown  Jun'  are  able  to  give  some 
very  Material  Information  respecting  the  Conduct  of  John 
Dunbar  at  the  time  when  General  Burgoyne  came  down  with 
his  Army  resolved  that  the  said  Mathew  Brown  James 
Brown  &  James  Brown  Jun^  be  Severally  cited  forthwith 
to  appear  before  this  Board  they  may  be  examined  as  to 
the  above 

The  Board  having  also  received  Information  that  Gerrit 
Van  Ness  is  able  to  prove  that  Lieu-  Coll  Daniel  B.  Bradt 
did  furnish  some  of  the  Enemy  with  Arms  when  Burgoyne 
came  down  with  his  Army 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Gerrit  Van  Ness  be 
cited  forthwith  to  appear  before  this  Board  in  Order  that 
he  may  be  examined  as  to  the  same 

Adjourned 

1780  Met  Albany  9th  February  1780 

Feb.  9.  Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Renselaer  )       (  A/r   ,  , 
j  \      \  Mathew  Visscher 

Isaac  D  ronda  )  ( 

As  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State1  by  which  the 
Powers  vested  in  this  Board  will  in  a  few  days  expire  and 
as  it  is  uncertain  whether  the  said  Act  will  be  continued 
It  is  therefore  Resolved  that  all  such  Persons  who  have  been 
employed  to  perform  Services  by  Order  of  this  Board  be 

■The  reference  is  to  the  act  of  October  i,  1779.  By  an  act  of  March  13, 
1780,  any  two  justices  could  enlarge  deserters  from  the  British.  The  com- 
missioners were  revived  by  an  act  of  June  14,  1780.    See  Appendix  I:  Laws 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  439 


notifyed  to  deliver  in  their  Accounts  that  the[y]  may  be  p1^80 
paid 

[134]  Resolved  that  the  Secretary  to  this  Board  pay  to 
Lieut:  Thomas  Ismay  the  sum  of  £91  u  igs  u6d  being  the 
full  Amount  of  the  Pay  and  Subsistance  Roll  of  the  Party 
of  Militia  under  the  command  of  the  said  Thomas  Ismay 

Resolved  that  the  Secretary  also  pay  to  John  Fonda  Junr 
the  sum  of  £74  being  for  beef  Provided  by  him  for  the  use 
of  the  State  Prisoners  — 1 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  14th  February  1780  i?80 
J     T  J     1  Feb.  14. 

Present 

John  M  Beekman  )       (  T        ^  ^  , 
•1  !-      -  Isaac  U  ronda 

Mathew  Visscher    )  ( 

Resolved  that  Robert  Davis  be  discharged  on  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  Duty  as  a  good  &  faithfull  Subject  of  the  State  & 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies and  remaining  within  the  following  Limits  (to  wit) 
West  the  Mill  of  CoM  Veeder,  South  the  Creek  East  and 
north  the  Hill  — 

Robert  Davis  on  Recognizance  in   £500 

Met  Albany  22  April  1781  \sic  for  1780I  1780 

'     J  Apr.  22. 

Present 

Tohn  M  Beeckman  )       (  T  t-  1 

at    ,       „•   ,  1       1  lsaac  D.  Fonda 

Mathew  Vischer      )  ( 

Resolved  that  Abraham  Hoogteling  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recog^  for  his  good  Be- 

1  The  original  voucher  is  in  Revolutionary  Manuscripts,  vol.  40,  p.  173, 
dated  February  28,  17S0,  State  Comptroller's  office. 


44-Q  State  of  New  York 


Apr  8°->  haviour  &  appearance  before  any  one  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  until  discharged  by  this 
Board 

Abraham  Hoogteling  of  the  West  District  of 

the  Manor  of  Renselaerwyck  Yeoman  in.  £100 

Joseph  Salsbury  of  the  same  Place  Yeoman 

his  Bail  in   £100 

juS828      t13^  Albany  28^  June  1780 

An  Act  having  been  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  this 
State  on  the  14-  Day  of  June  1780  entitled  An  Act  to  revive 
the  Laws  appointing  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  de- 
feating Conspiracies  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)1 

Whereas  the  Act  "  for  appointing  Commissioners  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  and  declaring  their 
Powers  "  passed  the  fifth  day  of  February  1778  and  the  Act 
"  for  encreasing  the  number  of  Commissioners  for  detecting 
and  defeating  Conspiracies  within  this  State  "  passed  the 
third  day  of  April  1778  are  expired  And  whereas  there  is 
good  reason  to  apprehend  that  Emissaries  from  the  Enemy 
are  lurking  in  different  parts  of  the  State,  and  that  the 
Disaffected  Inhabitants  are  conspiring  against  the  public 
peace  and  safety:  by  reason  whereof  it  hath  become  Necessary 
to  revive  the  Powers  of  the  said  Commissioners  — 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of 
New  York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is 
hereby  enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same;  that  the  said 
two  Acts,  &  the  Powers  and  authorities  by  them  or  either  of 
them  granted  to  the  Commissioners  appointed  or  to  be 
appointed  by  Virtue  of  the  said  Acts,  or  any  and  every 
three  of  them,  shall  be  and  are  hereby  revived,  and  shall 


1  Appendix  I:  Laws,  June  14,  1780. 


Opp.  Vol.  2,  p.  440 


/It. 


-  mf-i-J  *v-jt*nyf  j£tx~  i'f  //tort  t  ysnAA.  \St^>m       i/nsm*/  amt  /^c^\/Aalf, 

-  -^^fr  /Otsvt^y  p»n-vr»  i*^Ctl>i  /*  /£cm,  *<*^««*V"-i^  *■ '  ■  t£t  c^^rit 

/fu-  vi^m  a^Zc**>  /^o^ty^d^r^a£ /i4x^nWt/  ■  +fntimfy 


&  f&t*  (fie**  ,*/  £^  fi*y  &         »a^r>-u  ax  > 

a  f/o^o*-  <£tsuc/**y  *f         /fire  natirf  ^^rn^6'*nt^ 'fir 

Clean  Copy  of  Minutes 
exhibiting  Gansevoort's  reappointment 

(One-half  reduced) 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  441 


Continue  and  be  in  full  force  during  the  Continuance  of  the  178o„ 

,    .  June  28. 

present  War  with  Great  Britain.  That  each  Commissioner 
shall  be  allowed  for  each  day  he  shall  be  actually  employed 
in  the  Execution  of  the  said  Office,  the  [136]  sum  of  Fourteen 
Shillings  of  the  Money  to  be  issued  agreeable  to  the  Resolu- 
tions of  Congress  of  the  Eighteenth  day  of  March  last  and 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  shall  out  of  any  monies  which 
may  be  in  the  Treasury,  advance  to  the  said  Commissioners 
or  any  three  of  them  such  sum  or  sums  as  they  shall  from 
time  to  time  require  to  defray  the  Expence  of  the  Business 
hereby  committed  to  them,  not  exceeding  in  the  whole  the  sum 
of  two  thousand  pounds  of  like  Money  aforesaid  — 

I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true  Copy 
of  the  Original  Law  now  lodged  in  the  Secretary's  Office  of 
this  State.   Given  at  Kingston  June  20-  1780  — 

Robert  Harpur  Dep^  Secr^  — 

In  Consequence  of  which  Act  the  following  Members  Met 
Viz^ 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       (  Mat:  Visscher 

Resolved  that  Leonard  Gansevoort  Jun^  be  appointed 
as  Secretary  to  this  Board  and  that  his  pay  be  the  same  as  is 
allowed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  sitting  at  Poughkeepsie  — 

Ordered  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  appointed  as  Door  Keeper 
to  this  Board  and  that  he  have  an  Allowance  for  each  Day 
he  shall  be  actually  employed  in  and  about  that  Business  the 
sum  of  6/  per  Day  — 

Ordered  that  the  Secretary  lay  before  the  Board  as  soon 
as  conveniently  may  be  an  exact  List  of  such  Persons  [137] 
as  have  been  bound  by  Recognizance's  from  time  to  time 
by  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  heretofore 


442 


State  of  New  York 


1780     acting  Specifying  the  Days  when  they  were  discharged  and 
the  sums  in  which  they  have  been  respectively  bound  — 

Adjourned 

1780  Met  Albany  29-  Tune  1780 

Tune  29.  ^ 
J  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  f      (  Mathew  Visscher 

Major  Jacob  Schermerhorn  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  that  the  cause  of  Commitment  of  Hendrick 
Kittle  and  Nicholas  Van  Valkenburgh  is  as  follows  (to  wit) 

Hendrick  Kittle  for  insulting  the  Court  Martial  appointed 
to  try  him  for  neglect  of  Militia  Duty  and  for  Saying  he 
would  not  be  tried  by  them  — 

Nicholas  Van  Valkenburgh  for  drinking  the  Kings  Health 
and  damning  every  one  that  opposed  the  King's  Laws  — 

It  is  ordered  that  Jan  Devoe  Juni  who  is  Bail  for  the 
Appearance  and  good  Behaviour  of  William  Sanders  be 
ordered  to  bring  the  said  William  Sanders  before  this  Board 
on  Saturday  the  first  day  of  July  next  and  that  in  Case 
of  Failure  the  Recognizance  entered  into  by  the  said  Jan 
Devoe  Jun^  will  be  prosecuted  — 

John  Blackley  having  been  confined  by  order  of  the 
Magistrates  of  this  City  for  attempting  to  go  off  to  the  Enemy 
and  it  appearing  to  us  that  the  Proof  against  him  is  not 
so  clear  as  to  render  his  Confinement  any  Longer  necessary 
do  therefore  order  that  he  be  Liberated  from  his  Confinement 
[138]  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  sufficient 
Sureties  for  his  appearance  when  called  upon  before  the 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  or  any  Civil 
authority  in  this  State  &  for  his  future  good  Behaviour 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great 
Britain  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  443 


John  Blackley  of  the  City  of  Albany  Taylor  Tmufag 
on  Recognizance  in   £2000 

Nicholas  Halenbeeck  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Carpenter  his  Bail  in   £1000 

Colin  Gibson  of  the  same  place  Taylor 

also  his  Bail  in   £1000 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Henry 
Simpson  Living  on  the  Schenectady  Road  is  of  a  Suspicious 
Character  and  that  as  a  Tavern  Keeper  it  is  Necessary  he 
should  be  laid  under  Restrictions  therefore  ordered  that  a 
warrant  be  made  out  Directed  to  Jacob  Kidney  the  Door 
Keeper  to  apprehend  the  said  Henry  Simpson  and  forthwith 
bring  him  before  us  — 

It  is  ordered  that  the  Goaler  lay  before  this  Board  a 
true  List  of  all  such  Persons  as  are  now  in  Confinement 
together  with  the  cause  of  their  Commitment  and  the  Names 
of  the  Magistrates  by  whom  committed  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  30^  June  1780—  june^o 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D  Fonda  J       (  John  M.  Beeckman 

Whereas  from  the  Disturbances  occasioned  by  the  dis- 
affected Inhabitants  of  this  County  and  from  the  [139] 
pressing  Necessity  at  this  Juncture  of  enforcing  a  due 
Observance  to  the  Laws  and  punishing  such  as  transgress 
against  them  and  for  the  more  speedy  apprehension  of  such 
suspicious  Persons  as  may  be  lurking  about  the  Country 
it  is  thought  necessary  to  have  a  Number  of  Men  in  differ- 
ent Parts  of  this  County  to  carry  into  Execution  such  orders 
as  may  from  time  to  time  be  issued  by  this  Board  and  that 


444 


State  of  New  York 


1780  tne  parties  so  to  be  employed  be  raised  on  the  East  and 
une  30.  ,  .... 

west  side  of  the  River  and  Lieu  -  Philip  Staats  of  Col1-  Kil- 

lian  Van  Rensselaer's  Regiment  having  been  applied  to  in 

order  to  take  the  Command  of  one  of  the  said  Parties  and 

he  declaring  his  willingness  to  except  [sic]  the  same  — 

Be  it  therefore  ordered  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  Di- 
rected to  the  said  Lieu-  Philip  Staats  to  engage  to  the  Num- 
ber of  about  ten  men  who  are  to  Provide  themselves  with 
a  good  Horse  &  proper  Arms  and  Accoutrements  and  who 
are  to  be  allowed  the  same  Pay  given  to  the  Cavalry  of  the 
Army  of  the  United  States  and  to  have  an  allowance  made 
them  for  Horse  hire  and  Subsistance  — 

Jacob  Kidney  attended  and  informed  that  he  had  appre- 
hended Henry  Simpson  who  being  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  and  the  Charge  against  him  not  appearing 
to  be  such  as  to  merit  a  Commitment  therefore  resolved 
that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  with  two  Sureties  him- 
self in  £1000  and  the  Sureties  each  in  £500  for  his  personal 
appearance  before  the  Board  or  either  of  the  Commission- 
ers when  thereunto  required  to  be  of  the  good  Behaviour 
do  his  duty  as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the  State  ought 
to  do  and  to  give  Information  to  the  said  Commissioners 
from  time  to  time  of  all  such  [140]  Matters  and  things 
which  may  come  to  his  Knowledge  and  which  may  tend  in 
any  Manner  to  the  Prejudice  of  the  United  State  of  America 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Henry  Simpson  of  the  City  of  Albany  Inn- 
keeper on  Recognizance  in   £1000 

Jesse  Fairchild  of  the  same  Place  Blacksmith 

his  Bail  in   £  500 

William  Charles  of  the  same  Place  also  his 

Bail  in   £  500 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  445 


A  Return  being  made  according  to  order  by  the  Secre-   .  17&o 

0  June  30. 

tary  of  the  different  Persons  who  have  been  bound  by 
Recognizance's  ordered  that  Notice's  be  put  up  in  different 
Parts  of  this  County  ordering  such  Persons  to  appear  before 
this  Board  on  the  20-  day  of  July  next  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  1^  July  1780  1780 
p  1       J   J    '  July  1. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  \       I  Mathew  Visscher 

Whereas  a  number  of  suspicious  Persons  are  daily  pass- 
ing through  this  County  who  on  being  apprehended  & 
Questioned  name  Officers  in  the  Militia  under  whose  com- 
mand they  pretend  to  be  by  which  Means  many  Villians 
go  unpunished  to  prevent  which  in  future  it  is  resolved  that 
Letters  be  wrote  to  the  different  Colonels  or  Commanding 
Officers  of  General  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade  requesting  them 
as  soon  as  possible  to  furnish  this  Board  with  the  Names 
of  every  Person  of  their  Regiment  and  the  Companies  to 
which  they  Belong  — 

[141]  Jan  Devoe  Jun-  according  to  order  appeared  be- 
fore the  Board  with  William  Sanders  whom  he  requested 
Permission  to  Surrender  in  Discharge  of  himself  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  William  Sanders  be  committed 
and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  to  the  Goaler  to  take 
him  into  his  Custody  —  And  also  Resolved  that  Jan  Devoe 
Junior  his  Bail  be  Discharged  from  his  Recognizance  — 

Lidia  Currey  having  been  confined  by  order  of  the  Magis- 
trates of  this  City  for  assisting  in  concealing  &  harbouring 
Persons  from  the  Enemy  was  brought  before  the  Board  & 
examined 

Resolved  that  she  be  discharged  from  her  Confinement 


446 


State  of  New  York 


1780  on  Gerrit  Bradt  of  the  Hellebergh  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance for  her  future  good  Behaviour  and  Appearance 
before  this  Board  when  required  — 

Gerrit  Bradt  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Yeoman  on  Recognizance  as 
Bail  for  Lidia  Currey  in   £100 

Leonard  Gansevoort  Jun-  Secretary  to  this  Board  Ex- 
hibited to  us  an  Account  for  Paper  purchased  by  him  for 
the  use  of  this  Board  amounting  to  £144  Continental  Money 
ordered  that  the  same  [be]  paid  — 

Adjourned  — 
]1*°3  '  Met  Albany  3*  July  1780 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  ^      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 

The  Goaler  laid  before  the  Board  a  paper  whereby  he 
was  requested  to  take  into  his  Care  the  Body  of  John  Arm- 
strong of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  a  Person  Notoriously 
[142]  disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  and  deliver  him 
over  to  this  Board  — 

Whereupon  it  is  ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  to 
the  Goaler  to  take  the  said  John  Armstrong  into  his  Custody 
and  Closely  confine  him  — 

Hendrick  Appley  having  been  committed  to  Goal  by 
order  of  the  justices  in  this  City  on  suspicion  of  his  being 
privy  to  the  secreting  and  harbouring  a  Party  of  the  Enemy 
was  brought  before  the  Board  and  Enquiry  being  made 
into  the  Proofs  in  support  of  the  same  and  the  said  Charge 
appearing  in  the  Judgment  of  this  [Board]  unsupported  but 
the  said  Hendrick  Appley  being  a  Disaffected  Person  — 
Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  447 


Behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  of  the  Commissioners  j^80 
for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 

Hendrick  Appley  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Yeoman  on  Recog- 
nizance in   £100 

Andries  Ward  of  the  same  place  Yeoman  his 

Bail  in   £  50 

John  Waggoner  of  the  same  place  Yeoman 

also  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Simeon  Griggs  of  Half  Moon  having  attempted  to  go  to 
Canada  and  join  the  Enemy  and  having  been  apprehended 
by  order  of  the  Magistrates  of  this  City  and  by  them  suffered 
to  return  home  at  the  request  of  Col1-  Van  Schoonhoven  to 
endeaviour  to  procure  Bail  for  his  future  [143]  good  Conduct 
in  Consequence  thereof  Alexander  Griggs  the  Father  of  the 
said  Simeon  Griggs  appeared  before  us  and  informed  the 
Board  that  he  was  willing  to  enter  into  Recognizance  for 
the  said  Simeon  Griggs  — 

Whereupon  resolved  that  the  said  Alexander  Griggs  enter 
into  a  Recognizance  for  the  future  good  Behaviour  of  his  son 
Simeon  Griggs  and  for  his  appearance  when  called  upon 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  and 
for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  District  of  Half 
Moon  unless  when  called  upon  to  do  Militia  duty  which 
recognizance  to  be  in  full  force  during  the  Continuance  of 
the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Alexander  Griggs  of  the  Half  Moon  District 
in  the  County  of  Albany  Yeoman  on  Recog- 
nizance as  Bail  for  Simeon  Griggs  in   £200 

Evert  Ostrander,  John  Frazer,  and  John  Andrew  having 
been  apprehended  on  their  way  to  Canada  to  join  the  Enemy 


448 


State  of  New  York 


July3  were  bought  before  the  Board  and  on  being  examined  Con- 
fessing the  Charge  alledged  against  them  and  declaring  an 
Intention  of  persisting  in  the  like  Conduct  in  future  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Evert  Ostrander, 
John  Andrew,  and  John  Frazer  be  confined  and  that  a 
Mittimus  be  made  out  to  the  Goaler  to  take  them  into  his 
Custody  — 

Adjourned  — 


^  y  4  Present 


JjJ^  Met  Albany  4^?  July  1780  — 

ent 

leremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       (  T        r>  t-  j 
■L  _  \      \  Isaac  D.  bond* 

ohn  M.  Beeckman        )  ( 


John  M.  Beeckman 

[144]  Information  having  been  given  to  this  Board  that  a 
certain  James  Mellderon  has  lately  come  to  this  place  who 
appears  to  be  of  a  suspicious  Character.  It  is  therefore 
ordered  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  commanded  to  apprehend 
the  said  James  Mellderon  and  bring  him  forthwith  before  us  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appeared  and  informed  that  he  had  appre- 
hended the  said  James  Mellderon  — 

Whereupon  resolved  that  he  be  brought  before  the  Board 
on  his  Examination  producing  a  Pass  from  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace  at  Fredericksburgh  it  is  Ordered  that  he  be  given  in 
Charge  to  the  Goaler  till  he  shall  give  Surety  for  his  pro- 
ducing to  us  proper  Vouchers  of  his  Character  as  a  Friend  to 
the  American  Cause  — 

Graudus  J.  Cluet  having  been  on  his  way  to  join  the 
Enemy  and  having  returned  and  Voluntarily  surrendered 
himself  and  being  brought  before  us  by  his  Father  Jacob 
Cluet  and  on  being  examined  appearing  candid  and  open  in 
his  Confession  and  making  Promises  of  future  good  Conduct 
therefore  resolved  on  account  of  his  Youth  and  the  Inter- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  449 


cession  of  the  said  Tacob  Cluet  his  Father  whose  Atachmen  i?80 
to  the  American  Cause  has  been  evinced  on  several  Occasions 
that  he  be  permitted  to  return  home  — 

Simeon  Griggs  for  whom  Alexander  Griggs  was  on  the  3- 
Instant  bound  by  Recognizance  appeared  before  the  Board 
ordered  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  and  for  his  appearance  before  [145]  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  and 
for  his  remaining  within  the  District  of  the  Half-Moon 
unless  called  upon  to  do  Military  duty  during  the  Continu- 
ance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Simeon  Griggs  of  the  District  of  the  Half 
Moon  in  the  County  of  Albany  Yeoman  on 
Recognizance  in   £200 

Abraham  Peltz  having  been  apprehended  &  confined  by 
Major  Ezekiel  Taylor  on  Suspicion  of  being  privy  to  a 
Party  of  Men  going  off"  to  the  Enemy  and  the  Proof  appearing 
rather  ill  founded  but  the  said  Abraham  Peltz  being  a  dis- 
affected person  it  is  therefore  ordered  that  previous  to  his 
discharge  be  be  bound  by  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  and  Appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Abraham  Peltz  of  New  Town  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Yeoman  on  Recognizance  in. . . .  £50 

Hendrick  Peltz  of  Pougkeepsie  in  Dutchess 
County  his  Bail  in   £50 

Duncan  M'rDougall  appearing  before  the  Board  and  being 
willing  to  become  surety  for  James  Mellderon  It  is  ordered 
that  the  said  Duncan  Mc  Dougall  enter  into  a  Recognizance 
for  the  said  James  Mellderon's  transmitting  to  this  Board 
a  proper  Certificate  of  his  attachment  to  the  American 


45o 


State  of  New  York 


JxJy  \    ^ause  from  four  or  more  respectable  Inhabitants  of  Dutchess 
County  within  One  Month  from  this  day  — 

James  Mellderon  of  Fredericksburough  in 
the  County  of  Dutchess  Yeoman  on  Recog- 
nizance in   £50 

[146]  Duncan  MfDougall  of  the  City  of  Albany 

his  Bail  in   £50 

Adjourned 

1780  Met  Albany  5^?  July  1780  — 

July  5.  Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ~  , 
iit   1      ,r     ,         f      )  Isaac  U.  ronda 
Mathew  Visscher     )  ( 

A  Letter  was  laid  before  the  Board  from  Col1-  Abraham 
Wemple  at  Schenectady  informing  us  that  he  had  some  time 
ago  committed  to  Goal  a  German  formerly  belonging  to 
Burgoyne's  Army  from  an  Apprehension  of  his  being  an 
Enemy  to  the  cause  of  America  but  that  he  having  learned 
from  various  Circumstances  that  his  suspicions  were  ill 
founded  he  therefore  requests  that  he  may  be  liberated  from 
his  Confinement  — 

On  Consideration  of  which  Letter  it  appearing  that  the 
said  German  is  a  Prisoner  of  war  and  that  he  comes  properly 
under  the  direction  of  the  Military  power  Therefore  ordered 
that  he  be  delivered  over  to  Colonel  Goose  Van  Schaick  the 
Commanding  Officer  in  this  Place  — 

Adjourned  — 
i78o  Met  Albany  6^  July  1780 

July  6.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  T  t?  j 

it  \      )  Isaac  U.  fonda 

Mathew  Visscher     )  ( 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Board  that  Francis  Rawworth 
lately  an  Inhabitant  of  Johnstown  in  Tryon  County  can  give 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  451 


Information  respecting  the  Conduct  of  Robert  Adams  at  the  j^J^°6 
time  Sir  John  [147]  Johnson  destroyed  Caughnawago  — 

Ordered  therefore  that  the  said  Francis  Rawworth  be 
summoned  to  attend  this  Board  immediately  — 

The  said  Francis  Rawworth  appeared  and  on  his  Exami- 
nation says  that  he  did  not  see  Mi  Adams  during  the  time  Sir 
John  Johnson  was  at  Johnstown  and  that  he  has  understood 
the  said  Robert  Adams  was  taken  Prisoner  by  a  Party  of  Men 
and  carried  to  Sir  John  — 

Marte  Freligh  having  been  heretofore  bound  by  Recog- 
nizance for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appearance  before  the 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  and  also  for  his  appearance  on  the  last  day  of  every 
Month  before  any  one  of  the  said  Commissioners  and  the 
said  Marte  Freligh  this  day  appearing  pursuant  to  notification 
&  it  appearing  from  the  Information  of  John  M.  Beeckman 
Esq-  one  of  the  Members  of  this  Board  that  the  said  Marte 
Freligh  has  punctually  appeared  before  him  pursuant  to  the 
tenor  of  his  said    Recognizance  — 

Resolved  therefore  that  he  be  discharged  as  to  that  part 
of  his  Recognizance  which  requires  his  appearance  on  the 
last  day  of  every  month  but  that  the  Remainder  of  the  said 
Recognizance  shall  stand  &  remain  in  full  force  and  Virtue 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Resolved  that  Major  Henry  Van  Veghten  be  and  he  is 
hereby  requested  and  fully  Authorized  &  empowered  to 
stop  every  Person  whom  he  may  find  travelling  through 
this  City  and  whom  he  may  conceive  [148]  from  their 
appearance  and  Conversation  to  be  of  suspicious  Charac- 
ter's and  on  his  detecting  any  such  person  make  report  to 
us  of  the  same  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be  — 

Adjourned  — 


452 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  7^  July  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Received  a  letter  from  Math[e]w  Adgate  EsqT  one  of  the 
Justices  of  the  Peace  of  this  County  dated  Kings  District 
5th  day  of  July  Instant  wherein  he  informs  us  that  having  re- 
ceived Information  that  Daniel  Green,  Joseph  Potter  and 
David  Darrow  were  collecting  a  Number  of  Sheep  in  King's 
District  with  an  intention  of  driving  them  to  the  westward 
and  as  there  is  the  greatest  reason  to  suppose  from  their 
disaffection  to  the  American  Cause  that  they  mean  to  con- 
vey them  to  the  Enemy  or  at  least  bring  them  so  near  the 
Frontiers  that  the  enemy  may  with  safety  take  them  that 
therefore  he  had  caused  them  to  be  apprehended  &  con- 
veyed to  us  by  Ensign  Jones  and  the  said  Daniel  Green 
and  Joseph  Potter  being  brought  before  the  Board  and 
Examined  &  proving  Satisfactorily  to  us  that  they  had  no 
intention  of  driving  the  said  sheep  to  the  Enemy  were  sev- 
erally discharged  but  David  Darrow  on  his  examination 
denying  the  Authority  of  this  Board  and  all  Civil  Jurisdic- 
tion in  this  State  and  pretending  that  by  his  religious  prin- 
ciples [149]  he  is  restrained  from  taking  up  Arms  in  de- 
fence of  the  Country  and  that  he  does  not  intend  to  do  any 
kind  of  Military  duty  whatsoever  nor  does  not  in  any  in- 
stance intend  to  abide  by  the  Laws  of  this  State,  and  John 
Hocknear  of  Nistageune  and  David  Macham  of  New  Leba- 
non appearing  before  us  to  Vindicate  the  cause  and  Justify 
the  Principles  of  the  said  David  Darrow  and  acknowledg- 
ing a  Concurrence  of  Sentiment  with  him  and  declaring 
that  it  was  their  determined  Resolution  never  to  take  up 
arms  and  to  dissuade  others  from  doing. the  same  and  as 


1780 
July  7. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  453 


such  principles  at  the  present  day  are  highly  pernicious  and 
of  destructive  tendency  to  the  Freedom  &  Independence  of 
the  United  States  of  America  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  David  Darrow,  John 
Hocknear  and  Joseph  Macham  stand  severally  committed 
&  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Mf  Jones  informed  that  a  certain  Jonah  Case  an  Inhabi- 
tant of  Goshen  in  the  County  of  Litchfield  in  the  state  of 
Connecticut  whj^has  been  inimically  disposed  to  the  Ameri- 
can Cause  from  the  Commencement  of  the  War  and  was 
for  his  disaffection  confined  to  his  Farm  has  several  times 
passed  through  his  place  on  his  way  to  Nistageune  for  the 
Purpose  of  associating  with  a  set  of  people  who  call  them- 
selves shaking  Quakers  and  that  a  certain  Zadock  Wright 
a  prisoner  of  war  who  has  been  by  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  liberated  from  Confinement  and  by  Parole 
restricted  to  the  Limits  of  Kings  District  also  pretends  to  be 
of  the  denomination  of  people  called  shaking  Quakers  and 
that  he  dissuades  people    [150]    from  taking  up  Arms  — 

It  is  ordered  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that 
a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Mathew  Adgate  Esq-  to  have  the  said 
Jonah  Case  apprehended  and  brought  before  us  — 

It  is  also  ordered  that  the  said  Zadock  Wright  be  cited 
forthwith  to  appear  before  this  Board  — 

Adjourned  — 


Met  Albany  10^?  July  1780 —  1780 

Present  ^7 IO" 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher      )      \  [Samuel  Stringer] 


A  Certificate  signed  by  Robert  Harpur  Esq-  Deputy  Sec- 
retary of  this  State  was  laid  before  the  Board  whereby  it 


454 


State  of  New  York 


uiy8io  aPPears  tnat  Samuel  Stringer  Esq- was  on  the  Is.'  day  of  July 
Instant  appointed  by  the  Council  of  appointment  as  a  Com- 
missioner for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  within 
this  State  in  Consequence  of  which  Certificate  the  said 
Samuel  Stringer  took  the  Oath  as  prescribed  in  and  by  the 
["]  Act  for  appointing  Commissioner  for  enquiring  into  de- 
tecting &  defeating  all  Conspiracies  which  may  be  formed 
in  this  State  against  the  Liberties  of  America"  and  also 
took  his  seat  at  the  Board  as  a  Member  — 

Edward  Archer  of  this  City  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  that  George  Rodgers  did  Yesterday  in  his 
presence  say  that  the  French  Fleet  was  come  to  carry  off  the 
Damned  Rebel  Officer  Washington  who  was  afraid  he  would 
he  hanged  and  the  Rebel  Congress  that  the  [151]  Whigs 
were  all  a  set  of  scoundrels  and  Rascals  and  that  he  was 
persuaded  the  British  Troops  would  in  a  forthnight's  time 
march  through  the  City  of  Albany  — 

Ordered  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  John  Ryley  to  request 
him  to  appear  before  this  Board  to  give  Information  respect- 
ing Nicholas  Van  Valkenburgh  now  confined  in  Goal  — 

The  affidavit  of  John  Coppernoll  &  John  Vrooman  re- 
specting Jacob  J.  Truax  was  laid  before  the  Board  from 
which  it  appears  that  the  said  Jacob  J.  Truax  is  a  person 
greatly  disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  whose  going  at 
large  may  prove  dangerous  to  the  Safety  and  wellfare  of 
this  State  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  di- 
rected to  Jacob  Kidney  to  apprehend  the  said  Jacob  J- 
Truax  and  that  the  Goaler  be  ordered  to  receive  him  into 
his  Custody  and  closely  confine  him  — 

A  Number  of  Negroes  having  been  apprehended  at  the 
Half  Moon  on  suspicion  of  their  intending  to  burn  &  de- 
stroy that  Settlement  and  they  having  been  severally  exam- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  455 


ined  by  us  denyed  the  Charge  alledged  against  them  but  jj^8°0 
acknowledged  that  they  had  an  intention  of  going  to  Canada 
to  which  they  were  induced  by  William  Loucks  a  son  in 
Law  of  Hans  Roeliffse  and  a  Hessian  named  Coonradt1  liv- 
ing with  William  Waldron  who  told  them  that  when  they 
got  to  Canada  they  would  be  free  and  that  the  said  Wil- 
liam Loucks  and  Coonradt  told  them  they  would  go  with 
them  — 

I[n]  Consequence  of  which  Information  it  is  ordered  that 
a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Colonel  Van  Schoonhoven2  at  Half 
Moon  requesting  him  without  delay  to  [have]  the  said  Wil- 
liam [152]  Luycks  and  Coonradt  apprehended  and  brought 
before  us  — 

Ordered  also  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Hendrick  Van 
Schoonhoven  requesting  him  immediately  to  send  down  his 
Negro  wench  who  has  given  Information  concerning  the 
above  mentioned  Negroes  in  Order  that  she  may  be 
examined  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  11-  July  1780 —  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  c        ,  c  • 

t                  1         f  1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Ponda       )  ( 

In  Consequence  of  the  Information  Yesterday  given  to 
this  Board  by  Edward  Archer  respecting  George  Rodgers 

It  is  ordered  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  Di[r]ect[ed]  to 
Jacob  Kidney  as  Constable  to  apprehend  the  said  George 
Rodo-ers  and  that  the  Goaler  be  ordered  to  take  into  his 
Custody  and  closely  confine  him  — 

Israh  Sanford  was  brought  before  the  Board  by  Major 

1  Frederick  Coonradt. 

1  Colonel  Jacobus  Van  Schoonhoven. 


45^ 


State  of  New  York 


July8?!  Henry  Van  Veghten  as  a  Person  of  a  suspicious  Character 
on  examining  him  it  appears  that  he  is  an  inhabitant  of  the 
State  of  Massechusetts  Bay  and  is  also  one  of  those  persons 
who  pretend  that  they  are  restrained  by  their  religious  prin- 
ciples to  take  up  Arms  in  defence  of  the  Country  — 

Ordered  that  he  be  discharged  but  that  he  be  informed 
that  if  he  is  again  found  in  this  County  he  will  be  closely 
Confined  — 

James  Patherton  of  Nestageune  was  also  brought  before 
the  Board  and  on  being  questioned  pretend-  [153]  ing 
that  he  is  restrained  by  his  Religious  principles  to  take  up 
Arms  in  defence  of  the  State  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  James  Patherton  have  Permission 
to  go  and  procure  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  and  doing  his  duty  as  a  faithful  subject  of  the 
state  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  f*^  Tuly  1780 

^yi2-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        t-v  r-  j 

.  V      <  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 

A  Letter  from  Lieu-  Col1-  Henry  Van  Rensselaer  dated 
ii—  July  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  containing  the 
Charges  alledged  against  Nicholas  Kittle,  John  Armstrong, 
and  Jacobus  Moll,  which  Letter  is  in  the  words  following 
(to  wit)    (see  Letter  on  the  file) 

Anthony  Van  Schaick  Esq^  made  application  to  the  Board 
in  favour  of  Thomas  Andrew  a  prisoner  now  confined  [in 
Goal  and  on  examining  into  the  nature  of  his  crime  (he 
having  been  confined  by  order  of  the  Magistrates  of  this 
City)  and  finding  the  charge  alledged  against  him  not  prop- 
erly supported  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  457 


Therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Thomas  Andrew  be  lib-  1780 
erated  from  Confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recogniz- 
ance with  the  said  Anthony  Van  Schaick  as  his  surety  for 
his  future  good  Behaviour  &  appearance  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

[154]  Thomas  Andrew  of  Newtown  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Yeoman  on  Recogni- 
zance in   £200 

Anthony   Van   Schaick   of  the  County  of 

Albany  Esq-  his  Bail  in   £100 

It  having  been  represented  to  this  Board  that  Peter  Cra- 
pole  a  prisoner  now  confined  in  Goal  who  was  apprehended 
on  his  way  to  the  Enemy  has  been  destitute  of  provisions 
for  some  days  and  being  unable  on  Account  of  his  poverty 
to  purchase  any  it  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  Goaler  be 
requested  to  furnish  the  said  Peter  Crapole  with  provi- 
sions for  which  the  Board  will  allow  him  one  shilling  per 
day  — 

Colonel  Jacobus  Van  Schoonhoven  having  at  the  request 
of  this  Board  sent  us  Frederick  Coonradt  ordered  on 
examining  him  that  he  procure  surety  for  his  Good  behaviour 
and  appearance  when  called  upon  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  13^?  July  1780  y8° 
Present  Juyx3. 

Mathew  Visscher  )       \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda    )      \  John  M.  Beeckman 

Whereas  it  has  been  suggested  to  this  Board  that  Jacob 
A.  Lansing  of  this  County  who  was  confined  by  the  Magis- 


458 


State  of  New  York 


T78o  trates  of  this  City  for  assisting  &  encouraging  the  subjects 
uly  13.  J  0  o    is  j 

of  this  State  to  go  over  &  join  the  enemy  and  Robert  Adams 
of  Johnstown  in  Tryon  County  intend  to  remove  themselves 
by  writs  of  Habeas  Corpus  before  the  Honorable  Robert 
Yates  Esq-  [155]  in  order  to  their  being  bailed  and  as  it 
is  highly  necessary  at  this  time  that  they  [the]  said  Jacob  A. 
Lansing  &  Robert  Adams  should  be  continued  in  their 
present  confinement  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  to  the 
Goaler  to  detain  and  keep  them  in  his  Custody  untill  dis- 
charged by  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 

The  examination  of  Barnet  Van  Vranken  and  Flemin 
High  by  taken  by  Col-  Van  Schoonhoven  were  laid  before  the 
board  respecting  the  conduct  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown 
ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  — 

Lieu-  Colonel  Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  informed  the 
Board  that  he  last  night  had  sent  to  Goal  William  Hutton 
as  a  Person  whose  going  at  large  might  be  dangerous  to  the 
safety  of  the  State  that  the  said  William  Hutton  has  made 
use  of  threats  against  the  Court  Martial  appointed  to  try  him 
for  Neglect  of  duty  and  says  he  is  determined  not  to  taice 
up  arms  in  defence  of  the  country  — 

In  Consequence  of  which  information  he  was  brought 
before  the  Board  &  examined  and  recommitted  — 

Lieu-  Col1  Rensselaer  also  informed  the  Board  that  he 
has  confined  John  Armstrong,  Thomas  Blewer,  Andries 
Stoll,  Andries  Weger,  and  Christian  Crow,  as  dangerous 
and  disaffected  persons  and  prays  that  they  may  be  continued 
in  confinement  — 

Ordered  that  he  be  informed  that  this  Board  will  not 
liberate  them  untill  they  have  given  Collonel  Rensselaer 
a  previous  intimation  of  it  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  459 


[156]  Met  Albany  14^  July  1780  J^y8^ 

Present 

Samuel  Stringer  )      \  John  M.  Beeckman 

Isaac  D.  Fonda  )  \  Mathew  Visscher 

Frederick  Bonestel  having  been  by  the  former  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  liberated  from  confinement 
on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Good  behaviour  and 
monthly  appearance  and  the  sum  for  which  the  said  recog- 
nizance was  taken  being  too  small  on  account  of  the  depre- 
ciation of  the  Continental  Money  — 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  the  said  Frederick  Bonestel 
enter  into  a  new  recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his 
future  good  behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  continuance  of  the  Present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
Frederick  Bonestel  of  the  Manor  of  Rens- 
selaerwyck  in  the  County  of  Albany  Weaver 

on  recognizance  in   £100 

Anthony  Abramse  of  the  same  place  Yeoman 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  15'-  July  1780  1780 
Present  Jul?  ^ 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  \  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher     \       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Christopher  File  having  by  the  former  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  been  liberated  from  [157]  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  good  be- 
haviour &  appearance  on  the  last  day  of  every  month  and  the 
sum  for  which  the  said  recognizance  was  taken  being  insuffi- 
cient on  account  of  the  depreciation  of  the  Continental  money 


460 


State  of  New  York 


1780  and  Melchart  File  the  Father  of  the  said  Christopher  File 
uly  1^.  •  ... 

appearing  this  day  before  us  and  being  desirous  of  becoming 

surety  for  his  son  — 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  the  said  Melchart  File  enter  into 
a  recognizance  for  the  future  good  Behaviour  of  the  said 
Christopher  File  and  for  his  appearance  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  continuance  of  the  presentwarwith  Great  Britain  — 
Melchart  File  of  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  in 
the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  as  Bail  for 
his  son  Christopher  File  in   £100 

Whereas  from  the  frequent  complaints  that  have  been 
exhibited  to  this  Board  respecting  the  conduct  of  a  number 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  Newtown  it  is  become  necessary  that 
some  rigerous  measure  should  be  adopted  to  bring  them  to  a 
sence  of  their  duty  and  to  confine  such  of  them  as  are  most 
dangerous  and  as  it  is  probable  that  the  Board  will  receive 
better  information  respecting  their  conduct  by  opening  a 
Board  a[t]  New  Town  — 

It  is  therfore  resolved  that  there  be  a  meeting  of  the  Beard 
at  Newtown  and  Stillwater  on  Tuesday  next  and  that  a 
Letter  be  wrote  to  Major  Taylor  informing  him  of  the  same  & 
requesting  his  Attendence  there  at  that  time  — 

Adjourned  — 

[158]  Met  Albany  17*  July  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckrnan  ]_      \  Isaac  D.  Fond? 
Samuel  Stringer      \      I  Matl  lew  Visscher 

John  Meyer  having  been  heretofore  bound  by  a  recog- 
nizance for  his  good  behaviour  and  appearance  when  called 
and  appearing  this  day  according  to  Notification  — 


1780 
July  17. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  461 


Ordered  that  he  enter  into  a  new  recognizance  for  his  '780 

0  July  1 

future  good  behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Meyer  of  East  district  of  the  Manor  of 

Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in  £100 

Jacob  Springer  of  the  same  place  his  Bail  in  £100 

Amaziah  Winstone  of  Kings  district  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  that  by  virtue  of  a  warrant  directed  to 
him  by  Mathew  Adgate  Esql(  Justice  of  the  peace  he  had 
apprehended  Joel  Pratt  and  Hezekiah  Hammond  whom  he 
had  ready  to  produce  to  the  Board  ordered  that  they  be 
brought  in  and  examined  — 

Joel  Pratt  and  Hezekiah  Hammond  being  examined  say 
they  mean  not  to  take  up  arms  in  defence  of  the  Country 
whereupon  ordered  that  they  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  to  the  Goaler  to  take  them  into  his  custody  — 

John  Todd  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  [159]  ex- 
amined and  then  recommitted  — 

Peter  Crapole  who  was  also  examined  and  then  recom- 
mitted — 

Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Mathew  Adgate  Esq- 
suggesting  to  him  a*  proper  mode  of  conduct  towards  the 
people  called  shaking  Quakers  which  letter  is  in  the  words 
following  (to  wit)  (see  copy  letter  on  the  file) 

Received  a  letter  from  Mathew  Adgate  Esq-  Justice  of  the 
peace  dated  14th  day  of  July  instant  respecting  Joel  Pratt 
and  Hezekiah  Hammond  which  letter  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing (to  wit)  (see  letter  on  the  file) 

Egbert  Ostrander  having  been  heretofore  bound  by 
recognizance  and  appearing  this  day  according  to  notification 
to  enter  into  a  new  recognizance  — 

Ordered  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  future  good 


462 


State  of  New  York 


July8!?  Der,aviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Egbert  Ostrander  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Yeoman  in   £100 

Jacob  Ostrander  of  the  same  place  Yeoman 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Nicholas  Van  Valkenburgh,  Hendrick  Kittle,  and  Jacobus 
Moll  having  been  committed  for  disaffection  to  the  American 
cause  and  they  having  severally  promised  to  be  of  good 
behaviour  in  future  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  severally  discharged 
on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  their  future  good  be- 
haviour and  appearance  before  any  three  [160]  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and 
also  for  their  appearance  at  the  next  supream  Court  of 
Judicature  to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  last 
[sic]  in  July  instant  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  be 
held  in  the  State  of  New  York)  and  not  depart  the  Court 
without  Leave  — 

Hendrick  Kittle  of  Schodack  Yeoman  in   £200 

Nicholas  Van   Valkenburgh  of  the  same 

place  Yeoman  in   £200 

Jacobus  A.  Moll  of   D?    £200 

Johannis  Kittle  of   Bail  in   £200 

Johannis  J.  Mullerof  D?  .  .  .  .Bail  in   £200 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  i8l.h  July  1780 


jSy°i&.  Present 


|ohn  M.  Beeckman  \      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer       \       I  Mathew  Visscher 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  463 


James  Robbins  appearing  before  the  Board  according  to  1780 
notification  ordered  that  he  appear  as  soon  as  possible  with    ^uly  1 
a  sufficient  person  as  his  surety  to  enter  into  a  recognizance  — 
James  Akins  having  been  heretofore  bound  by  recog- 
nizance and  appearing  this  day  according  to  order  with 
Neil  McNeil  as  his  surety  — 

Ordered  that  he  enter  into  a  recognizance  of  anew  for  his 
future  good  behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there  unto 
required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  [161] 
with  Great  Britain  — 

James  Atkins  of  Pits  Town  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Yeoman  in   £100 

Neil  McNeiI  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Yeoman  his  Bail 
in.   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  19*  July  1780-  Jfg^ 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher     \       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Martin  Galer  having  been  heretofore  bound  by  recog- 
nizance and  appearing  this  day  according  to  notification  to 
enter  into  a  new  recognizance  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  future  good 
behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the 
continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
Martin  Galer  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in .  .  .  .  £100 
John  Shaver  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his  Bail 
in   £100 


4<H 


State  of  New  York 


Juiy8i9  Nicholas  Michael  having  also  been  bound  by  recogniz- 
ance &  appearing  this  day  to  enter  into  a  new  recognizance 
Ordered  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Nicholas  Michael  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Innkeeper  ..in.  £100 
Jurie  Michael  of  the  same  place  his  Bail  in.  £100 

[162]  Davis  Michael  also  appearing  to  enter  a  new  Re- 
cognizance — 

Ordered  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

David  Michael  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in   £100 

Nicholas  Michael  of  the  same  place  Innkeeper 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Colin  Gibson  and  Nicholas  Halenbeeck  who  did  on  the 
29-  day  of  June  last  become  surety  for  the  good  behaviour 
and  appearance  of  John  Blackley  came  this  day  and  sur- 
rendered the  said  John  Blackley  in  discharge  of  the  recog- 
nizance by  them  entered  into  and  the  said  John  Blackley 
being  desirous  of  engaging  as  a  soldier  in  the  three  months 
service 

It  is  resolved  that  the  said  Colin  Gibson  and  Nicholas 
Halenbeeck  be  accordingly  discharged  from  their  Recog- 
nizance and  that  the  said  John  Blackley  have  leave  to  en- 
list as  aforesaid  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  465 


Met  Albany  21^  July  1780  1780 
Present  ^uly 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  T        •  1  \r     t>  1 
•*  .  >       <  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Received  a  Letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell  Esq^  dated  this 
day  at  Schenectady  informing  that  a  number  of  tories  have 
been  apprehended  and  brought  to  that  [163]  place  and 
requesting  a  copy  of  the  oath  to  be  taken  by  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  in  order  that  Ryneir  Mynderse  & 
Abraham  Outhout  Esq-  who  have  been  lately  appointed 
to  that  Office  might  be  Qualified  — 

Ordered  in  consequence  of  the  said  Letter  that  a  copy  of 
the  oath  be  made  out  &  transmitted  to  the  said  Hugh 
Mitchell  and  that  the  said  Commissioners  be  requested  from 
time  to  time  to  transmit  to  this  Board  such  information  as 
they  may  receive  &  that  this  Board  will  afford  them  every 
assistance  in  their  Power  towards  carrying  into  Execution 
such  plans  as  they  may  think  expedient  to  adopt  to  promote 
the  public  good  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  22^  July  1780—  Ju7^2 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ^  (  T       .  ,  T7.     n  , 

f  \  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Isaac  D.  fonda       V  <  n        ,  n  . 
._          ...     .         [         Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher     J  I. 

Jacob  Kidney  the  door  Keeper  appearing  informed  us 
that  agreeable  to  the  warrant  of  this  Board  he  had  appre- 
hended George  Rodgers  ordered  that  he  be  confined  and 
hat  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

John  Nightingale  having  been  apprehended  by  order  of 
this  Board  as  a  disaffected  person  ordered  that  a  mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 


466 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Board  of  Commissioners  who  by  a  resolution  of  this 

july  22.  .  '  . 

Board  were  to  meet  at  Newtown  or  Stillwater  having  re- 
turned reported  that  the[y]  had  on  the  19-  Instant  opened 
a  Board  at  Stillwater  which  they  had  continued  untill  the 
[164]  20th  Instant  and  that  they  had  on  the  first  day  of 
the  said  Meeting  Sent  for  Major's  Taylor  and  Dickerson 
to  consult  what  Persons  to  send  for  to  be  examined  and 
which  to  apprehend  —  That  upon  consultation  they  agreed 
to  summons  Elias  Delong,  Flemon  Higby,  Barent  Van  Der 
Werken,  William  Williams,  Jotham  Bemus,  John  Bemus, 
Richard  Collins,  and  Moses  Hunter  and  accordingly  made 
out  summons's  and  delivered  them  to  Major  Taylor  that 
they  made  out  a  warrant  to  apprehend  Jacob  Heemstraet, 
John  Rose  and  Nathaniel  James  directed  to  Lieu-  Joseph 
Cook  and  delivered  to  Major  Taylor  — 

That  they  examined  the  following  persons  (to  wit)  Moses 
Hunter,  Jotham  Bemus,  Jaddiah  Millard,  William  Williams, 
Peter  Van  Camp,  Jacob  Heemstraet,  Flemon  Higby,  Marytie 
Scut,  Barent  Van  Der  Werken,  Robert  Todd,  and  Amos  Moore 
and  reduced  their  Examinations  to  writing  and  that  they  are  in 
the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Examinations  on  the  file)  — 
That  on  the  second  day  of  said  meeting  being  the  20^? 
Instant  they  had  bound  the  following  Persons  in  Recog- 
nizance's for  their  good  behaviour  doing  their  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Stephen  Hooper  of  New  Town  Farmer  in.. .  £100 
Simon  Van  Camp  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

John  Hooper  of  New  Town  Farmer  in   £100 

Francis  Waggoner  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in  ;   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  467 


[165]  Joseph  Devall  of  New  Town  Farmer  in.  £100  jSyn 
Stephen  Hooper  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Joseph  Conklin  of  New  Town  Farmer  in. . .  £100 
Dirck  Heemstraet  Juni  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

James  Conklin  of  New  Town  Farmer  in. . . .  £100 
Dirck  Heemstraet  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

John  A.  Conklin  of  New  Town  Farmer  in.  .  £100 
William  Bartin  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Peter  Van  Campen  of  New  Town  Farmer  in  £100 
Hendrick  Brevoort  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £  50 

Stephen  Ladue  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also 

his  Bail  in          £  50 

John  Vincent  of  New  Town  Farmer  in   £100 

Nicholas  Teachout  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Amos  Moore  of  New  Town  Farmer  in  £300 

William  Williams  Jun-  of  New  Town  Farmer 

in   £100 

Williams  Williams  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Ordered  that  a  Letter1  be  wrote  to  his  Excellency  Gov- 
ernor Clinton  inclosing  him  a  copy  of  Peter  Van  Campen's 
Examination  taken  at  Newtown  which  letter  is  in  the  fol- 
lowing words  (to  wit)    (see  draught  Letter  on  the  file) 

Adjourned  — 

•  In  George  Clinton  Papers,  no.  3094,  archives  of  New  York  State  Library 


468 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Met  Albany  23d  July  1780  — 

July  23.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )       (  c        ,  c  • 

t  r»  f      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

Received  a  letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell,  Ryneir  Mynderse, 
and  Abraham  Outhout  Esq-  Commissioners  for  Conspira- 
cies at  Schenectady  dated  the  22-  Instant  wherein  [166] 
they  inform  us  that  they  send  under  Guard  fourteen  Persons 
some  of  whom  they  have  had  apprehended  on  their  way  to 
the  enemy  and  others  had  forwarded  and  supplied  them  with 
provisions  whose  names  are  as  follows  Viz-  Josepfh]  Warner, 
Jacob  Ball,  John  Ball,  Peter  Snyder,  Christian  Sea,  Chris- 
topher Warner,  Nicholas  Sea,  Andrew  Loucks,  Richard  Scher- 
merhorn,  Bartholemew  Schermerhorn,  Jacob  Seybert,  George 
Shamon,  Frederick  Wheeler,  and  John  Broacham,  which  Let- 
ter is  in  the  following  words,  (to  wit)    (see  letter  on  the  file)  — 

Ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  the  above  men- 
tioned Persons  — 

Received  also  another  letter  from  the  said  Commissioners 
dated  at  Schenectady  22—  Instant  wherein  they  inform  us 
that  they  also  send  to  us  under  Guard  three  other  Persons 
who  they  have  caused  to  be  apprehend[ed]  whose  names  are 
Jacob  Man,  William  Loucks,  and  John  Jost  Warner  which 
Letter  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)    (see  letter  on  file) 

Ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them 

It  having  been  suggested  to  this  Board  that  James  Lud- 
low who  last  Winter  came  from  New  York  and  is  at  present 
at  Kinderhook  by  his  conduct  gives  great  reason  to  suspect 
that  he  is  guilty  of  some  evil  Practice  against  the  State 
therefore  ordered  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Major  Isaac 
Goes  at  Kinderhook  requesting  him  immediately  to  send  to 
this  Board  the  said  James  Ludlow  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  469 


Met  Albany  24^?  July  1780 

Present 

r  1  6t1    John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  r         ,  «  . 

t  1-17      ™  f       )  •=»amuei  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  1  ' 

Whereas  frequent  complaints  have  been  made  by  sundry 
of  the  well  affected  inhabitants  of  this  County  that  John 
Partherton,  William  Lees,  and  Ann  Standerren,  by  their 
conduct  and  conversation  disturb  the  publick  peace  and 
are  dailv  dissuading  the  friends  to  the  American  cause  from 
taking  up  Arms  in  defence  of  their  Liberties  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  to  Jacob 
Kidney  forthwith  to  apprehend  the  said  John  Partherton, 
William  Lees,  and  Ann  Standerren  and  bring  them  before  us 
and  that  he  be  authorized  in  case  of  any  resistance  to  call 
to  his  assistance  such  a  number  of  men  as  he  may  conceive 
necessary  to  carry  the  said  warrant  into  Execution  — 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  Thomas 
Wood  Jun-  who  has  been  concerned  in  a  number  of  rob- 
beries is  lately  come  from  New  York  and  is  now  in  and 
about  his  place  of  abode  — 

Thereupon  resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Cap^  Jacob 
De  Freest1  requesting  him  to  collect  a  Party  of  Men  and 
endeavour  to  apprehend  the  said  Thomas  Wood  JunT — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  25^  July  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ) 
Samuel  Stringer  ) 


1780 
July  24. 


1780 
July  25. 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 


WTilliam  Davis  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  in  conversation  with  Mathewis  Van  Valkenburgh 

1  De  Forest. 


47o 


State  of  New  York 


*ly8°5  1*68]  the  said  Valkenburgh  professed  himself  a  subject  to 
King  George  and  that  he  intended  to  remain  so  and  said 
that  his  cause  was  a  just  one  — 

Ordered  that  the  above  information  be  reduced  to  writing 
and  that  the  same  be  taken  into  consideration 

It  having  been  suggested  to  the  Board  by  Lieu-  Col-  Henry 
K  Van  Rensselaer  that  David  Henry  formerly  an  Officer  in 
Col-  Livingston's  Regiment  and  now  residing  at  the  New  City 
is  able  to  give  some  very  material  Information  concerning 
Abraham  Ja:  Lansing  and  some  other  disaffected  Persons  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  Citation  be  made  out  for 
the  said  David  Henry  to  appear  forthwith  before  this  Board 
and  that  the  said  Citation  be  sent  to  Cap-  Christopher  Till- 
man at  New  City  in  order  to  its  being  served  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  26l.h  July  1780 

Present 

lohn  M.  Beeckman  )      (  T  j 
J        ,  n   .  r      1  *saac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 

Jacob  Kidney  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  he  had  agreeable  to  the  warrant  issued  to  him  on 
the  24^  Instant  apprehended  John  Partherton,  William 
Lees,  Ann  Standerren  and  that  he  had  also  apprehended 
James  Whiteacre,  Calven  Harlow,  and  Mary  Parthington, 
whom  he  found  in  Company  with  them  and  it  appearing 
that  they  have  also  been  guilty  of  the  like  Practices  with 
the  above  named  Persons  — 

[169]  It  is  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  severally  interro- 
gated whether  they  are  principled  against  taking  up  Arms 
in  defence  of  the  American  cause  and  whether  thev  have 
not  endeavoured  to  influence  other  persons  against  taking  up 


1780 
July  26. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  471 


arms  to  which  Questions  they  having  severally  answered  in  r.7*° 

,  .        July  2< 

the  affirmative  resolved  thereupon  that  they  be  committed 

and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Received  a  Letter1  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton 
dated  Poughkeepsie  the  24-  Instant  which  Letter  is  in  the 
following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Letter  on  file) 

James  Bramley  appeared  before  the  Board  &  informed 
us  that  he  had  been  ordered  by  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies at  Schenectady  to  remove  his  family  to  this  place 
and  Surrender  himself  up  to  this  Board  and  he  in  Conse- 
quence of  the  said  order  appearing  this  day  and  avowing  his 
principles  as  a  person  disaffected  to  the  American  cause  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  the  said  James  Bramley  be  informed 
that  it  is  the  determination  of  this  Board  that  he  procure  by 
Friday  next  a  Freeholder  to  become  his  Surety  for  his  good 
Behaviour  and  appearance  before  us  when  called  upon  — 

Adjourned  — 


Present 


Met  Albany  27^  July  1780  — 


July  27. 


[  I  John  M.  Beeckman 
da  )  ( 


David  Henry  agreeable  to  the  Citation  sent  to  Cap- 
Christopher  Tillman  this  day  appearing  ordered  [170]  that 
he  be  examined  as  to  the  conduct  of  John  Todd  and  John 
Gibson  who  are  now  confined  in  Goal  — 


The  said  David  Henry  being  Examined  saith  as  follows 
(to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  file) 


Ordered  thereupon  that  the  said  David  Henry  be 
discharged  — 


Adjourned  — 


1  In  George  Clinton  Papers,  no.  3094,  archives  of  New  York  State  Librart 


472  State  of  New  York 


i78og  Met  Albany  28^  July  1780  — 

J  y  2  '  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  TT  ,  ,T.  ,  .. 
i        ,  n   .  \      \  Hugh  Mitchell 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 

Hugh  Mitchell  Esqr  laid  before  the  Board  the  examina- 
tions of  the  prisoners  sent  to  Goal  by  the  Schenectady  Com- 
missioners ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  — 

A  Letter  was  laid  before  the  Board  from  Philip  Pell 
Esq-  Commissary  of  State  Prisoners  dated  30-  June  1780 
respecting  Henry  Van  Schaack,  David  Van  Schaack,  Lam- 
bert Burgert,  Mathew  Goes  Jun^,  John  D.  Goes,  and  Dirck 
Gardinier  which  Letter  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit) 
(see  letter  on  file) 

Ordered  that  the  Subject  of  the  above  Letter  be  taken 
into  Consideration  — 

It  having  been  suggested  to  this  Board  that  Simon  Viele 
of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  is  able  to  give  some  very 
material  information  respecting  Peter  Cohoon  who  was  some 
time  ago  committed  as  a  spy  from  the  enemy  Ordered 
therefore  that  he  be  sent  for  and  examined  — 

Simon  Viele  appearing  agreeable  to  order  [171]  and  being 
examined  under  oath  saith  as  follows  (see  Examination  on 
file) 

Ordered  that  the  said  Simon  Viele  enter  into  a  Recog- 
nizance to  appear  at  the  next  supream  Court  of  Judicature 
to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third  Tues- 
day in  October  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall 
then  be  held)  to  testify  to  such  Matters  as  he  may  know 
concerning  Peter  Cohoon  and  not  to  depart  the  Court  with- 
out Leave — 


Simon  Viele  of  the  west  District  of  .Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £400 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  473 


It  being  the  Opinion  of  this  Board  that  the  imprisonment  *78o 
of  Peter  Ten  Broeck  and  William  Bowen  Prisoners  of  war 
(who  have  been  heretofore  released  from  confinement  by  a 
former  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies)  will  tend 
to  expedite  their  Exchange  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  an  Order  be  made  out  &  sent  to 
them  to  appear  before  us  on  Monday  the  7—  day  of  August 
next  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  2a!h  July  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        T^  ~  , 
■J  ,  [      ]  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Samuel  Baker  residing  in  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  being  suspected  of  having  a  connection 
with  some  disaffected  inhabitants  of  this  County  was  ordered 
to  appear  before  the  Board  on  his  appearing  and  being 
examined  under  Oath  and  declaring  himself  [172]  innocent 
of  the  charge  therefore    ordered  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Peter  Seeger  was  sent  for  on  information  given  to  this 
Board  that  he  is  able  to  give  some  Material  Evidence  con- 
cerning Peter  Cohoon  who  is  now  confined  in  Goal  as  a 
spy  from  the  Enemy  — 

Ordered  that  he  be  examined  and  that  his  Examination 
be  reduced  to  writing  which  is  in  the  words  following  (to 
wit)    (See  Examination  on  file) 

Ordered  also  that  the  said  Peter  Seeger  enter  into  a  Re- 
cognizance to  appear  at  the  next  supream  Court  of  Judicature 
to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third  Tuesday 
in  October  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  be 
held)  to  give  Evidence  on  the  Part  of  the  people  of  this 
State  and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  leave  — 


1780 
July  29. 


474 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Peter  Seeger  of  the  west  District  of  the 

July  29. 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in.  £400  — 
Adjourned  — 

jjgfjo  Met  Albany  30th  July  1780  — 

Present 

Teremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       (  T        ^  ~  . 
im   1      T7-     1  f      1  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Mathew  Visscher  )  ( 

Information  having  been  exhibited  to  this  Board  by  Gerrit 
Heyer  of  this  City  that  on  Wednesday  last  three  men  came 
up  the  River  in  a  Batteau  one  of  whom  he  supposed  to  be 
Thomas  Man  the  other  the  son  of  Patrick  Ryan  living  on 
the  Green  Island  both  of  which  persons  have  been  with  the 
Enemy  for  some  time  past  and  there  being  a  probability  of 
the  said  persons  being  at  the  House  of  [173]  the  said  Patrick 
Ryan  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Cap-  Christo- 
pher Tillman  requesting  him  to  take  a  Party  of  Men  and 
endeavour  to  apprehend  them  — 

Lucas  Moore  of  Saragtoga  having  about  a  Year  since  made 
his  escape  from  the  Goal  in  this  City  where  he  was  confined 
for  having  been  with  the  Enemy  and  being  apprehended  & 
brought  before  us  on  a  suspicion  of  guiding  a  Party  of 
Tories  from  Newtown  who  were  on  their  way  to  join  the 
Enemy  and  he  professing  himself  a  Prisoner  of  war  there- 
fore ordered  that  he  be  confined  and  that  a  mittimus  be 
made  out  to  the  Sheriff"  to  take  him  into  his  Custody  — 

Adjourned  — 
i78o  Met  Albany  31st  July  1780 

July  ax.  Present 


lohn  M.  Beeckman  )       \  c        ,  ~  . 

j  I      ]  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  U.  fonda        )  ( 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  475 


Agreeable  to  the  request  made  by  this  Board  to  Major  jujy8°j 
Isaac  Goes  of  Kinderhook  on  the  23d  instant  to  send  to  us 
for  Examination  James  Ludlow  and  the  said  James  Lud- 
low appearing  and  being  Examined  and  having  satisfied 
the  Board  that  the  charges  alledged  against  him  are 
without  Foundation  it  is  therefore  ordered  that  he  be 
discharged  — 

The  Board  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  an  Affidavit 
of  Susannah  Parie  taken  before  Johannis  Van  Deusen  Esqr. 
wherein  the  said  Susannah  Parie  charges  Angus  M-  Donald 
and  Doctor  Thompson  of  Livingston's  Manor  with  having 
harboured  British  Officers  from  Canada  on  their  [174]  way 
to  New  York  and  secreting  persons  who  had  been  concerned 
in  Robberies  which  affidavit  was  transmitted  to  the  former 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  — 

Resolved  on  Consideration  of  the  said  Affidavit  that 
Citations  be  made  out  for  the  said  Doctor  Thompson  & 
Angus  McDonald  to  appear  before  this  Board  on  Monday 
the  seventh  day  of  August  next  and  that  the  said  Citations 
be  inclosed  in  a  Letter  and  sent  to  Johannis  Van  Dusen  EsqT 
requesting  him  to  have  them  served  on  the  said  McDonald 
and  Doctor  Thompson  — 

Application  was  made  to  the  Board  by  John  Lansing 
Jun-  Esq?"  in  favour  of  Robert  Adams  of  Johnstown  now 
confined  in  Goal  by  an  order  of  this  Board  requesting  his 
liberation  — 

Ordered  that  he  be  informed  that  the  Board  cannot  in 
the  present  critical  situation  of  Public  affairs  consent  to  his 
Enlargement  — 

Isaac  D.  Fonda  Esq^  informed  the  Board  that  he  has 
received  information  that  Andrew  Bowman,  John  F.  Cluet, 
Hendrick  Kerkner,  Jacob  Kerkner,  and  a  certain  man 
named  Frederick  a  step  son  of  Michael  Huff  all  residing 


476 


State  of  New  York 


T,78o     in  tjie  West  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  are 
lily  31.  J 
preparing  to  go  Off  and  join  the  Enemy  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that  a 

warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Cap-  Ostrum  Authorizing 

him  forthwith  to  apprehend  the  said  persons  and  bring 

them  before  us  — 

Adjourned  — 

[175]  Met  Albany  Ist  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  c        ,  p  . 

\      \  bamuel  btnnger 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

Richard  Langley  a  Prisoner  of  war  taken  at  Stoney 
point  who  was  some  time  ago  confined  in  Goal  by  Richard 
Esselstyne  EsqJ  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined 
his  Examination  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see 
examination  on  file) 

The  Board  taking  into  consideration  the  Letter  received 
from  Philip  Pell  Esq^  Commissary  of  state  Prisoners  on 
the  28-  Ultimo  do  in  consequence  thereof  — 

Resolve  that  an  order  be  made  out  and  sent  to  Henry 
Van  Schaack,  David  Van  Schaack,  Lambert  Burghert, 
Mathew  Goes  Jun^  John  D.  Goes,  and  Dirck  Gardinier  to 
prepare  and  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  be  removed  to 
the  Goal  in  Goshen  in  Orange  County  by  the  15-  day  of  this 
month  where  they  are  to  remain  as  Prisoners  untill  exchanged 
for  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  at  present  in  the 
power  of  the  Enemy  — 

Also  resolved  that  an  order  be  sent  to  Peter  Ten  Broeck 
who  was  liberated  from  his  confinement  by  the  former 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  to  prepare  him- 
self and  be  in  readiness  on  the  15-  day  of  this  month 


1780 
Aug.  1. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  477 


to  be  removed  to  the  Goal  in  Goshen  in  the  County  of  *78o 
Orange  — 

Doctor  George  Smith  of  this  City  being  charged  with 
forwarding  Peter  Cohoon  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  through  the 
Country  and  the  said  Peter  Cohoon  having  under  Oath  [176] 
charged  him  therewith  — 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  ordered 
forthwith  to  apprehend  the  said  George  Smith  and  convey 
him  to  the  Goal  in  this  City  and  that  the  Goaler  be  ordered  to 
take  him  into  his  Custody  and  closely  confine  him  — 

Adjourned  - — 

Met  Albany  2n^  August  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher     \       I  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

A  Letter  from  Philip  Pell  Esq^  Commissary  of  state 
Prisoners  was  laid  before  the  Board  dated  Poughkeepsie 
27^  Ultimo  wherein  he  request's  us  to  cause  Henry  Van 
Schaack,  David  Van  Schaack,  Cornelius  Van  Schaack, 
Lambert  Burghart,  John  D.  Goes,  Mathew  Goes  Jun- 
Dirck  Gardineir,  Sc  Jacob  Legrange,  to  be  sent  down  to 
Fishkill  under  the  care  of  an  Officer  of  the  levies  which 
letter  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  letter  on 
file)  — 

Ordered  in  consequence  of  the  said  letter  that  the  resolu- 
tions of  this  Board  of  Yesterday  with  respect  to  Henry 
Van  Schaack,  David  Van  Schaack,  Lambert  Burghart, 
John  D.  Goes,  Mathew  Goes  Jun-  and  Dirck  Gardineir  be 
rescinded  and  that  they  be  severally  ordered  to  appear  before 
us  on  Saturday  the  fifth  instant  — 

Also  resolved  that  the  resolution  of  Yesterday  with  respect 


1780 
Aug.  2 


478 


State  of  New  York 


r78o     to  Peter  Ten  Broeck  be  and  is  hereby  rescinded  and  that 

.Ug.   2.  .  J 

the  said  Peter  Ten  Broeck  be  ordered  to  appear  before 
this  Board  on  Monday  the  7*h  day  of  August  Instant  — 

[177]  Resolved  that  an  Order  be  sent  to  Major  Zadock 
Wright  (a  Prisoner  of  war  who  was  confined  by  this  Board  to 
Kings  District)  to  appear  before  us  on  Saturday  the  5  — 
Instant  in  order  that  he  may  be  removed  to  Fishkill  to  be 
there  delivered  over  to  Philip  Pell  Esq1:  Commissary  of 
State  Prisoners  to  be  exchanged  — 

Resolved  also  that  an  order  be  sent  to  Martin  Crum  of 
Claverack  who  refused  to  take  the  oath  tendered  agreeable  to 
an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  to  persons  of  Neutral 
and  Equivocal  characters  to  appear  before  this  Board  on 
monday  the  7—  instant  in  order  that  he  may  be  removed  to 
Fishkill  to  be  there  delivered  over  to  the  Commissary  of 
State  Prisoners  — 

Andries  Stoll  who  was  some  time  ago  committed  to  Goal 
as  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  person  was  brought  before 
the  Board  and  we  having  certain  information  that  his  wife 
is  in  a  very  distressed  situation  without  the  benefit  of  any 
aid  or  assistance  and  expecting  shortly  to  be  brought  to  bed 
the  Board  do  therefore  on  Consideration  thereof  resolve 
that  the  said  Andries  Stoll  be  released  from  his  confinement 
on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety 
for  his  appearance  when  called  upon  by  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  and  for  his  good  Behaviour 
and  doing  his  duty  as  a  good  and  faithfull  subject  of  the 
State  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain 

Andries  Stoll  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  Blacksmith  in   £100 

Abram  Robison  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  479 


It  having  appeared  to  the  Board  that  Alexander  Outhout  A*g8o2 
who  was  confined  by  the  Magistrates  of  this  [178]  City 
for  attempting  to  go  off  and  join  the  Enemy  was  persuaded 
thereto  by  Doctor  Johnson  and  others  and  that  no  danger 
is  to  be  apprehended  from  him  on  account  of  his  Youth  & 
inexperience;  therefore  ordered  that  he  be  released  on 
Alexander  Bulson  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  the  said 
Alexander  Outhout's  appearing  before  this  Board  when 
called  upon  &  for  his  good  behaviour  and  doing  his  duty 
as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the  State  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for 
his  appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature 
to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third  Tues- 
day in  October  next  and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without 
Leave  — 

Alexander  Bulson  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  on  Recognizance 
as  Bail  for  Alexander  Outhout  in   £100 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  Doctor  George 
Smith  who  was  Yesterday  confined  by  order  of  this  Board 
is  dangerously  ill  and  that  a  continuance  of  his  present 
confinement  may  endanger  his  life  — 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  he  be  discharged  on  his  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  appear- 
ance before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  and  for  his  good  Behaviour  untill 
discharged  by  this  Board  — ■ 

George  Smith  of  the  City  of  Albany  Phy- 
sician in   £100 

Patrick  Smith  of  the  same  place  Merchant 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


4<So 


State  of  New  York 


[179]  Met  Albany  31'  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher     \       (  Samuel  Stringer 

John  Ryley  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  that 
he  had  apprehended  Jacob  Smith  and  Jacob  Dymont  for 
Stealing  two  Horses  from  Frederick  Barringar,  that  in  his 
way  to  said  Barringar's  he  was  overtaken  by  Marcus  Dymont 
who  offered  him  a  sum  of  money  to  let  the  said  Jacob  Smith 
and  Jacob  Dymont  make  their  Escape  and  that  afterwards 
the  said  Jacob  Smith  &  Jacob  Dymont  struck  him  the  said 
John  Ryley  on  the  head  and  by  that  means  made  their  escape 
in  which  they  were  assisted  by  the  said  Marcus  Dymont 
and  the  said  Marcus  Dymont  being  a  Person  disaffected 
to  the  American  Cause  Thereupon  resolved  that  a  warrant 
be  made  out  directed  to  Philip  Herwig  commanding  him 
with  the  assistance  of  six  men  to  apprehend  the  said  Jacob 
Smith,  Jacob  Dymont,  and  Marcus  Dymont  and  bring  them 
before  us  — 

The  said  John  Ryley  was  Examined  as  to  Nicholas  Van 
Valkenburgh  which  Examination  is  in  the  following  words 
(to  wit)  (see  examination  on  file) 

It  appearing  probable  to  this  Board  from  the  intimacy 
of  Samuel  Kitcham  with  Doctor  Johnson  that  the  said 
Kitcham  was  knowing  to  the  said  Johnsons  intention  of 
going  off  to  the  Enemy  it  is  therefore  ordered  that  he  be 
Examined  under  oath  — 

The  said  Samuel  Kitcham  being  Examined  and  declaring 
himself  ignorant  of  the  said  Doctor  Johnson's  [180]  inten- 
tions thereupon  ordered  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  481 


Met  Albany  4th  August  1780— 
Present  7  8 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       \  c         .  c  • 

i  \      -  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda       )  ( 

Samuel  Stringer  Esq^  one  of  the  Members  of  this  Board 
informed  that  he  had  caused  to  be  apprehended  &  brought 
before  him  a  certain  John  Ryley  as  being  a  Suspicious 
person  that  he  had  examined  him  and  on  finding  by  his  own 
Confession  that  he  is  a  Prisoner  of  war  had  committed  him  to 
Goal  Resolvefd]  that  the  above  procedure  be  approved  of 
and  that  a  mittimus  be  made  out  for  the  said  John  Ryley  — 

Christopher  Warner  one  of  the  prisoners  sent  down  by  the 
Schenectady  Commissioners  was  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  — 

Resolved  that  he  be  liberated  from  his  confinement  on 
Hendrick  Warner  of  the  Bever  Dam  entering  into  a  recogni- 
zance for  the  good  behaviour  and  personal  appearance  of  the 
said  Christopher  Warner  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  and  for  doing  his  duty  as  a  good 
and  faithfull  subject  of  this  State  during  the  continuance  of 
the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Hendrick  Warner  of  the  Bever  Dam  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  on  Recogni- 
zance as  Bail  for  Christopher  Warner  in  £100 

Adjourned  — 

[181]  Met  Albany  5^  August  1780  ^1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  }       (  1  t-  1 

-  \  Isaac  D.  Jhonda 

Mathew  Visscher 


Samuel  Stringer 


Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 


482 


State  of  New  York 


Resolved  that  an  order  be  made  out  and  directed  to  John 
Decker  Robison  &  Bastian  Beam  of  Livingston's  Manor 
who  became  surety  for  the  appearance  of  John  Smith 
before  this  Board  when  called  upon  to  deliver  up  to  this 
board  the  said  John  Smith  on  or  before  the  sixteenth 
day  of  August  Instant  and  that  they  be  informed  that 
unless  this  order  is  complied  with  their  recognizance  will 
be  prosecuted  — 

Major  Zadock  Wright  appeared  before  the  Board  agree- 
able to  the  order  of  the  2—  Instant  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Zadock  Wright  enter  into  a  Parole 
to  proceed  to  Fishkill  and  on  the  15—  Instant  Surrender  him- 
self a  Prisoner  at  that  place  to  Philip  Pell  Esq-  Commissary 
of  State  Prisoners  which  parole  is  in  the  following  words 
(to  wit)  (see  Parole  on  file)  — 

Henry  Van  Schaack,  David  Van  Schaack  and  Mathew 
Goes  Jun-  who  on  the  2—  instant  was  cited  to  appear  before 
us  appeared  this  day  according  to  order  — 

It  is  resolved  that  they  respectively  enter  into  a  Parole 
to  repair  to  Fishkill  and  on  the  Ist  [or  16th]1  day  of  September 
next  surrender  themselves  prisoner's  at  that  place  to  Philip 
Pell  Esq-  Commissary  of  State  Prisoners  which  parole  is  in 
the  following  words  (to  wit)    (see  Parole  on  file) 

Resolved  that  Jacobus  Ostrander  be  liberated  from  [182] 
confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  suf- 
ficient sureties  for  his  future  good  Behaviour  for  his  appear- 
ance before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  and  doing  his  duty  as  a  faithful 
subject  of  the  state  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain 

Jacobus  Ostrander  of  Newtown  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

1  Date  altered  and  ambiguous. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  483 


Abraham  Douw  of  the  City  of  Albany  Gentle-  1780 
man  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Abraham  Bogart  of  the  same  place  Cord- 
wainer  also  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  8^-h  August  1780—  ^80 
n  7  6/  Aug  8. 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman          I  (  c        ,  c  ■ 

t                    r.  Samuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  >  -<  T        r\  t?  j 

i/r  Isaac  D.  Jbonda 

Mathew  Visscher             j  { 

A  Letter  from  Doctor  George  Smith  dated  the  7-  instant 
was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  request's  to  be  sent  to 
New  York  or  exchanged  which  letter  is  in  the  following 
words  (to  wit)    (see  letter  on  file) 

Ordered  that  he  be  informed  that  the  subject  of  his 
Letter  will  be  taken  into  Consideration  at  some  future  day  — 

It  having  been  represented  to  this  Board  that  James 
Halstead  of  Nistageuna  is  a  Person  who  is  disaffected  to  the 
American  cause  and  that  he  has  harboured  and  secreted 
persons  going  over  to  the  Enemy  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed  to 
John  Tillman  to  apprehend  the  Said  James  [183]  Halstead 
and  forthwith  bring  him  before  us  — 

Resolved  that  John  Ostrander  be  liberated  from  Confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  future  good 
behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
John  Ostrander  of  Newtown  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Jacob  Heemstraet  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


484 


State  of  New  York 


Aug8°8  ^  navm8  been  represented  to  this  Board  that  it  will  be 
necessary  for  Henry  Van  Schaack,  David  Van  Schaack  and 
Mathew  Goes  JunI  to  be  down  at  Fishkill  at  an  earlier  day 
than  is  specified  by  their  Parole  therefore  resolved  that  they 
be  ordered  to  be  at  Fishkill  on  the  20-n  instant  — 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  there  is  at 
present  at  Newtown  a  Person  who  is  industriously  circulating 
reports  through  the  Country  tending  to  injure  the  American 
cause  which  Person  is  a  son  in  Law  to  John  Concklin  — 

Resolved  that  Major  Ezekiel  Taylor  be  requested  to  have 
him  apprehended  forthwith  and  sent  to  us  — 

Adjourned  — 

*78o  Met  Albany  9^  August  1780  — 

Ug"  9'  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  j       I  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer       >     <  Hugh  Mitchell 

Isaac  D.  Fonda       )       {  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

[184]  Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Philip  Pell  Esqr 
Commissary  of  State  Prisoners  respecting  Henry  Van  Schaack, 
David  Van  Schaack,  and  other  prisoners  of  war  which  Letter 
is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)    (see  letter  on  file) 

Richard  Schermerhorn  of  Schenectady  who  was  confined 
by  the  Commissioners  of  that  place  for  being  concerned  with 
a  party  that  intended  to  go  off  and  join  the  enemy  was  brought 
before  the  Board  and  on  his  Examination  appearing  candid 
and  open  in  his  answers  to  the  Questions  proposed  to  him  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  liberated  from  confinement 
on  his  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  sufficient  suretv 
for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  when  required  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  called  for  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  485 


Richard  Sehermerhorn  of  Schenectady  La-  1780 
.           .                                         J  r  Aug.  9. 

bourer  in   /6500 

Jacob    Sehermerhorn  of    the    same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   ^,500 

Resolved  that  Christian  Sea  be  liberated  from  Confinement 
on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety 
for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Christian  Sea  of  the  Bever  Dam  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  on  recognizance  in   £100 

William  Dietz  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the  County 

aforesaid  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

[185]  John  Tillman  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  apprehended  James  Halstead 
agreeable  to  our  warrant  issued  on  the  10-  instant  and  that 
he  had  him  ready  to  produce  to  us,  whereupon  resolved  that 
the  said  James  Halstead  be  examined  his  Examination  is  in 
the  following  words  (to  wit)  (See  Examination  on  file)  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany        August  1780  , 

/                o  /                                   Aug.  10. 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman          )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  {  Mathew  Visscher 

Resolved  that  Christian  Cray  be  liberated  from  his  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  surety 
for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 


486 


State  of  New  York 


x7So  Christian  Cray  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Ug.  10.  J 

Mano[r]  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  £100 
Archilaus  Lynd  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Bartholemew   Schermerhorn   of  Schenectady  who  was 


confined  by  order  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at 
Schenectady  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  Hugh 
Mitchell  Esq-  one  of  the  said  Commissioners  being  of 
opinion  that  the  said  Bartholemew  Schermerhorn  may  with 
safety  be  liberated  from  Confinement  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  on  entering 
into  a  recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  good 
behavi-  [i 86]  our  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 


with  Great  Britain  — 

Bartholemew  Schermerhorn  of  Schenectady 
Farmer  in   £500 

Ryer  Schermerhorn  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £500 


Frederick  Weller  of  the  District  of  Schenectady  having 
also  been  confined  by  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
at  Schenectady  was  brought  before  the  Board  ordered 
that  he  be  discharged  on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with 
a  sufficient  surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 

Frederick  Weller  of  the  District  of  Sche- 
nectady Labourer  in   £200 

Johannis  Weller  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £200 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


Resolved  that  John  Broachim  be  liberated  from  confine-  J78o 
ment  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Broachim  of  the  District  of  Schenectady 

Farmer  in   £200 

Ryer  Schermerhorn  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £200 

Johannis  Weller  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

also  his  Bail  in   £200 

Adjourned  — 

[187]         Met  Albany  11^  August  1780  —  a£*Ji 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         ")       (  c        ,  c  . 
t        •  1  T7     r»        1      '       1  Samuel  Stringer 
eremiah  Van  Rensselaer  >      •<  T        ta  j 
~  11  Isaac  D.  J^onda 

Mathew  visscher  '  { 

Abraham  Jacob  Lansing  appeared  before  this  Board 
according  to  our  order  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  recog- 
nizance for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appear- 
ing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Abraham  Jacob  Lansing  of  Lansingburgh 

in  the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £500 

Jacob  Van  Derheyden  of  the  East  District 
of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  his  Bail 

in   £500 

D-  Joseph  Young  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  he  had  received  information  from  James  Marr  of 


488 


State  of  New  York 


1780     this  City  that  a  certain  Peter  Seeger  who  is  now  in  Town 

Aug.  11.  J  .  ,  0 

has  mentioned  some  circumstances  respecting  the  attack  of 
the  enemy  at  Schohary  from  which  he  is  led  to  suppose 
that  the  said  Peter  Seeger  has  connection  with  the  Enemy  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  Jacob  Kidney  immediately  appre- 
hend the  said  Peter  Seeger  and  bring  him  before  us  — 

Peter  Seeger  being  brought  before  us  and  examined  as 
to  the  above  informed  us  in  what  manner  he  had  received 
his  information  and  the  same  being  satisfactory  ordered 
that  he  be  discharged  — 

Resolved  that  Samuel  Stringer  Esq1;  be  requested  to  propose 
John  Tillman  Jun-  to  raise  and  take  the  command  of  [188]  a 
Ranger  Company  to  be  under  the  direction  of  this  Board  — 

William  Pemberton  who  is  charged  with  harbouring  and 
forwarding  through  the  country  Peter  Cohoon  a  spy  from 
the  Enemy  appeared  before  the  Board  according  to  our 
order  and  as  the  proof  in  support  of  the  above  charge  is  not 
so  full  as  to  render  his  confinement  necessary  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  with 
sufficient  sureties  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
William  Pemberton  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Marriner  in   £500 

William  Charles  of  the  same  place  Butcher 

his  Bail  in   £250 

Wheeler  Douglass  of  the  same  place  Inn- 
keeper also  his  Bail  in   £250 

Resolved  that  George  Shannon  be  liberated  from  confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  489 


called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

George  Shannon  of  the  District  of  Schenec- 
tady Farmer  in   £200 

Johannis    Shoemaker   of  the    same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £200 

John  Nightingale  who  was  confined  for  making  use  of 
expressions  tending  to  injure  the  American  cause  and  being 
of  a  suspicious  character  was  brought  before  the  Board  and 
it  appearing  that  his  Family  are  greatly  distressed  by  the 
[189]  means  of  his  confinement  — 

Therefore  ordered  that  the  said  John  Nigh[t]ingale  be 
liberated  from  his  confinement  on  entering  into  a  recog- 
nizance with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  appearance  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called 
upon  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  remaining 
within  the  following  Limits  (to  wit)  to  the  north  from  his 
house  to  the  Schenectady  Road  to  the  west  to  Veeder's 
Mill's  to  the  south  to  the  Norman's  Creek  and  to  the  East 
to  Hudson's  River  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  unless  called  upon  to  do  Militia  duty — 

John  Nightingale  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Yeoman  in.  .  . .  £100 

Joshua  Bloore  of  the  City  of  Albany  Merchant 
his  Bail  in  £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  I2^h  August  1780  .  i?80 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  (        ,       ir  u 

J        m  Mathew  Visscher 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  V      <  c         ,  c  • 
-'  I  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda  )  { 


49Q 


State  of  New  York 


Aug.  12. 


1780  Resolved  that  Jacob  Sybert  be  discharged  from  his  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  when  called  upon 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Jacob  Sybert  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in   £100 

Peter  Radliff  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Peter  Snyder  be  liberated  from  Con-  [190] 
finement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Peter  Snyder  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in   £100 

Hendrick  Snyder  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  having  received  certain  information  that 
William  True  for  whose  appearance  Col1.  Abraham  Van 
Alstyne  became  surety  is  gone  off  to  the  Enemy  — 

Resolved  that  an  order  be  made  out  to  Col1-  Van  Alstyne 
to  deliver  up  the  said  William  True  or  pay  the  Amount  of 
the  recognizance  by  him  entered  into  for  the  said  William 
True  — 

Resolved  that  John  Boyd  who  is  surety  for  William 
M^Auley  deliver  up  the  said  M-Auley  in  fourteen  days  from 
this  day  — 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  John  Rodliff 
and  Arent  RodlifF  for  whom  Rykert  RodlifF  became  surety 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


have  refused  to  do  Militia  duty  whereby  they  have  forfeited    ,  T78o 

.  Aug.  i 

their  Recognizance's  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Rykeri 

Rodliff  their  Bail  appear  before  this  Board  on  Wednesday 

next  to  shew  cause  why  the  said  Recognizance's  should  not 

be  put  in  Suit  — 

It  having  been  suggested  to  us  that  George  Keneir  of  this 
City  is  able  to  give  information  respecting  several  persons 
that  have  lately  gone  off  and  joined  the  Enemy  and  the 
said  George  Keneir  being  sent  for  appeared  was  examined 
&  then  discharged  — 

[191]  Resolved  that  Doctor  George  Smith  and  Joshua 
Bloore  be  ordered  to  deliver  up  to  this  Board  on  or  before 
the  19-  day  of  August  instant  Ebenezer  Knap,  Elisha  Marsh, 
Nicholas  Schuyler,  Nathan  Lull  &  Joseph  Lull  for  whose 
appearance  when  called  upon  the  said  George  Smith  and 
Joshua  Bloore  have  become  surety  — 

Resolved  also  that  Joshua  Bloore  be  ordered  to  deliver 
up  to  this  Board  on  or  before  the  19th  day  of  August  instant 
Barnabas  Loughley  for  whose  appearance  the  said  Joshua 
Bloore  is  surety  — 

Resolved  that  James  Caldwell  deliver  up  to  this  Board 
on  or  before  the  19-  day  of  August  instant  Duncan  MrCon- 
nelly  and  John  Maginness  for  whose  appearance  before  us 
when  called  upon  he  has  become  surety  — 

Also  further  resolved  that  Lewis  Fotie  deliver  up  Henry 
J.  Mesick  on  or  before  the  19-  day  of  August  instant  agree- 
able to  the  Tenor  of  his  Recognizance  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  13^  August  1780  1780 
Present  Aue-  J- 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       i  c        ,  P  . 

\     .  >      -j  Samuel  Stringer 

Ma  the  w  Visscher      )  ( 


State  of  New  York 


AugS°3  Andries  Bronck  and  [blank]  "Wells  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  us  that  being  out  on  a  scout  by  order 
of  Col!  Van  Bergen  towards  Beesink  they  had  taken  Prisoner 
a  certain  John  Sheerman  whom  they  suspected  to  be  a  spy 
from  the  Enemy  and  one  of  those  Tories  who  have  some 
time  ago  infested  that  part  of  the  Country  with  continual 
Robberies  and  the  said  John  Sheerman  being  brought  in 
and  examined  says  that  he  comes  from  Fishkill  and  was 
when  he  was  apprehended  [192]  on  his  way  to  his  Family 
who  live  near  Schenectady  Ordered  that  he  be  committed 
and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned 

AJ?8°4>  Met  Albany  14*  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  0        ,  n  . 

r,  ,      _..    ,         >      <  bamuel  btnnger 

Mathew  Visscher     )  ( 

Andries  Loucks  one  of  the  Prisoners  now  confined  in 
Goal  by  the  Schenectady  Commissioners  was  brought 
before  the  Board  and  Examined  ordered  that  he  be 
recommitted  — 

Resolved  that  Johan  Jost  Warner  be  liberated  from  con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for 
his  appearance  at  the  next  supream  Court  of  Judicature  to 
be  held  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  October  next  at  the  City 
Hall  in  this  City  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  then 
be  held)  and  not  depart  the  Court  without  leave  — 

Johan  Jost  Warner  of  Schohary  Farmer  in.  .  £100 
Christian  Weaver  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in  ,   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  493 


Resolved  that  the  said  Tohan  Tost  Warner  enter  into  a   .  '78o 

r    .  Aug.  1 

recognizance  for  the  appearance  of  his  wife  Margaret  Warner 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  on  the 
third  Tuesday  in  October  next  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City 
(or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held)  and  not 
to  depart  the  Court  without  leave  — 

Johan  Jost  Warner  of  Schohary  Farmer  on 
Recogc    as   Bail  for  his  wife  Margaret 


Warner  in   £200 

Adjourned 

[193]  Met  Albany  15^?  August  1780  A  I78° 

Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher     j       {  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Robert  Adams  be  discharged  from  confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  sufficient 
sureties  for  his  future  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Robert  Adams  of  Johnstown  in  Tryon  County 


Merchant  in   £200 

Thomas   Shipboy  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Merchant  his  Bail  in   £100 

James  Caldwell  of  the  same  place  also  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  Leonard  Weger  be  liberated  from  confini- 
ment  on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  surety  for  his 
future  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  wheneve[r] 


494 


State  of  New  York 


Aug8°5    Ca^ec^  uPon  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Leonard  Weger  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

Jurie  Francisko  of  Cooksborough  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in.  .  .  .  £100 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  Christopher 
Hutt  of  the  Bever  Dam  who  is  now  in  this  City  is  by  his 
conduct  and  conversation  daily  endeavouring  to  injure  the 
American  cause  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  immediately 
apprehended  by  the  door  Keeper  &  confined  &  that  a 
Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned  — 

A  l78o6       [194]  Met  Albany  16-  August  1780 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       f  T  r  j 

.  >      i  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       J  (. 

Resolved  that  an  order  be  made  out  directed  to  Arent 
N.  Van  Patten  who  became  Bail  for  the  appearance  of 
Johannis  Staring  of  Tryon  County  to  deliver  up  to  this  Board 
the  said  Johannis  Staring  on  or  before  the  26-  day  of  August 
instant  — 

Rykert  Rodliff  being  on  the  12-  instant  cited  to  appear 
before  the  Board  to  shew  cause  why  the  Recognizance 
entered  into  by  the  said  Rykert  RodlifF  for  his  sons  Arent 
RodlifF  and  John  RodlifF  should  not  be  put  in  suit  as  they 
the  said  Arent  and  John  RodlifF  refused  to  do  Militia  duty 
and  the  said  Rykert  RodlifF  appearing  and  denying  the 
charge  alledged  against  his  sons  therefore  resolved  that  the 
said  Arent  RodlifF  &  John  RodlifF  appear  before  this  Board 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  495 


on  Friday  the  18-  day  of  August  instant  in  order  that  they  .  T78o 
may  be  examined  as  to  the  same  — 

James  Halstead  having  on  his  examination  informed  the 
Board  that  a  certain  Samuel  Kid  or  Tid  living  with  John 
Duncan  near  Schenectady  is  able  to  give  some  very  Material 
information  respecting  Letters  received  by  the  said  John 
Duncan  from  the  Enemy  — 

Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Cap^  Hendrick  Ostrum  to 
have  the  said  Samuel  Kid  apprehended  and  brought  before  us 
as  soon  as  possible  that  he  may  be  Examined  as  to  the  above  — 

Adjourned  — 


[195]  Met  Albany  17-  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  T        ^  t-  j 
■i  .  >      <  Isaac  D.  .Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer       J  (. 

Resolved  that  Joachim  Van  Slyck  of  Claverack  who 
became  surety  for  the  appearance  of  Bartholemew  Van 
Valkenburgh  before  this  Board  when  called  upon  deliver  up 
the  said  Bartholemew  Van  Valkenburgh  on  or  before  the 
23-  day  of  August  instant  — 

Lewis  Fotie  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  12  instant 
appeared  before  the  Board  with  Henry  J.  Mesick  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Henry  J.  Mesick  enter  into  a 
recognizance  of  anew  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Henry  J.  Mesick  of  the  District  of  Claverack 

Farmer  in   £500 

Lewis  Fotie  of  the  City  of  Albany  Baker 
his  Bail  in   £500 


1780 

Aug.  17. 


496 


State  of  New  York 


1780        Resolved  that  Tacob  M.  Vosburgh  of  Claverack  District 

Aug.  17.  J  o 

who  became  surety  for  Dirck  Vosburgh's  appearance  before 
this  Board  when  called  upon  deliver  up  the  said  Dirck 
Vosburgh  on  or  before  the  23-  day  of  August  instant  — 

Resolved  that  Peter  Van  Valkenburgh  of  Claverack 
District  who  became  surety  for  Hendrick  Skinkle's  appear- 
ance before  this  Board  when  called  upon  deliver  up  the 
said  Hendrick  Skinkle  on  or  before  the  23-  day  of  August 
instant  — 

The  Board  being  of  opinion  that  John  Kluck  of  this 
City  is  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  person  and  that  his 
going  at  large  may  prove  of  dangerous  consequences  to  the 
safety  [196]  of  the  State  therefore  resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney 
be  ordered  forthwith  to  apprehend  the  said  John  Kluck 
and  confine  them  — 

There  being  reason  to  suspect  that  John  M'rDole,  Colin 
Farguson  &  Peter  Muir  of  this  City  are  knowing  and 
accessary  to  several  persons  going  off  to  the  enemy  there- 
fore resolved  that  they  be  immediately  sent  for  — 

John  McDonald,  Colin  Farguson,  &  Peter  Muir  appearing 
were  examined  on  oath  and  returning  Satisfactory  Answers 
to  the  Questions  proposed  they  were  discharged  — 

Adjourned  — 

i78o  Met  Albany  18^  August  1780 

Aug.  18.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       )       {  Mathew  Visscher 

Rykert  Radliff  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  16-  instant 
appeared  before  the  Board  with  his  sons  Arent  Radliff  and 
John  Radliff. 

Resolved  that  the  above  mentioned  John  Radliff  enter 
into  a  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  good 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  497 

behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  aJJ8^ 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

John  Radliff  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in   £200 

Rykert  Radliff  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £200 

The  above  mentioned  Arent  Radliff  being  under  age 
resolved  that  his  Father  Rykert  Radliff  enter  into  [197]  a 
Recognizance  for  him  the  same  in  every  respect  with  that 
entered  into  by  his  Brother  John  Radliff  — 

Rykert  Radliff  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  on 
Recognizance  as  Bail  for  his  son  Arent 
Radliff  in   £200 

Resolved  that  Jacob  Halenbeeck  Jun'  of  Klinkenbergh 
be  ordered  forthwith  to  appear  before  the  Board  with  a 
sufficient  surety  to  enter  into  a  Recognizance  of  anew  — 

Resolved  that  Philip  Cook,  Peter  Livingston  Jun- ,  Wil- 
helmas  Dillenbeeck,  and  Jacob  Fraligh  be  ordered  to  appear 
before  this  Board  on  the  24-  day  of  August  instant  agreeable 
to  the  Tenor  of  their  several  Recognizance's  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  19^  August  1780  Aug8!* 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  „        .  0  . 

r,  .       TT.  >      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher  (  6 


Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Hugh  Mitchell  Esqr  one 
of  the   Commissioners   for   Conspiracies   at  Schenectady 


498 


State  of  New  York 


Aug8%  recluesting  him  to  send  down  to  this  Board  William  Bowen  a 
Prisoner  of  war  in  order  to  his  being  sent  down  to  the  Com- 
missary of  state  Prisoners  for  the  purpose  of  an  Exchange  — 
Bartholemewis  Van  Valkenburgh  appearing  according  to 
order  to  enter  into  a  new  Recognizance  resolved  that  he  be 
bound  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Bartholemewis  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  Dis- 
trict of  Kinderhook  Farmer  in   £200 

[198]  Joachim  Van  Slyck  of  the  same  place 
Farmer  his  Bail  in   £200 

Information  having  been  exhibited  to  this  Board  from 
which  they  are  of  opinion  that  Isaac  Ostrander  of  the  Helle- 
bergh  is  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  person  and  that  by  his 
conversation  he  endeavours  daily  to  injure  the  American 
cause  and  he  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  us  appearing 
this  Day  — 

Resolved  that  he  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be 
made  out  for  him  — 

Dirck  Vosburgh  of  the  District  of  Claverack  having 
been  ordered  to  appear  before  us  to  enter  into  a  recognizance 
of  anew  and  appearing  this  day  agreeable  to  order  — 

Resolved  that  he  be  bound  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Dirck  Vosburgh  of  the  District  of  Claverack 

Farmer  in   £200 

Resolved  that  a  citation  be  made  out  directed  to  Doctor 
Thompson  and  Angus  McDonald  of  the  Manor  of  Living- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  499 


ston  to  appear  before  this  Board  on  the  24-  day  of  August  A  lgS°I9 
instant  to  answer  the  charges  alledged  against  them  in  an 
Affidavit  of  Susannah  Parie  taken  before  Johannis  Van 
Deusen  Esqr  and  that  Cap-  Robison  of  Claverack  District 
be  requested  to  deliver  the  said  citation  to  any  Constable  of 
Livingston's  Manor  to  have  the  same  served  — 

John  Decker  Robison  of  Claverack  District  appeared  before 
the  Board  with  John  Smith  for  whose  appearance  before 
us  when  called  uppon  he  some  time  since  became  surety  — 

[199]  Resolved  that  the  said  John  Smith  enter  into  a 
Recognizance  of  anew  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  continu- 
ance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for  his 
remaining  within  the  Limits  of  Livingston's  Manor  unless 
he  shall  be  called  upon  to  do  Militia  duty  or  obtain  permis- 
sion from  this  Board  to  leave  the  same  and  for  his  appear- 
ing before  us  on  the  14-  day  of  October  next  — 

John  Smith  of  Livingston's  Manor  Labourer 
in   £1000 

John  Decker  Robison  of  Claverack  District 

his  Bail  in   £1000 

Resolved  that  Thomas  Weger  be  liberated  from  confine- 
ment on  Samuel  Kitcham's  entering  into  a  recognizance  for 
his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  whenever  there- 
unto required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

Samuel  Kitchim  of  Lansingburgh  Farmer  on 
Recognizance  as  Bail  for  Thomas  Weeger 
in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Met  Albany  22-  August  1780 

Aug.  22.  n  7  6/ 

6  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      (  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       j       \  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  William  Loucks  be  liberated  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  suffi- 
cient surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of 
the  [200]  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

William  Loucks  of  Schohary  Farmer  in   £100 

Peter  Borst  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his  Bail 

in  £100 

Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Lieu-  Col-  Henry  K. 
Van  Rensselaer  requesting  him  to  furnish  this  Board  with 
a  List  of  the  Names  of  the  Persons  who  are  able  to  prove 
the  charges  alledged  against  Thomas  Blewer  now  confined 
in  Goal 

Adjourned 

1780  Met  Albany  23^  August  1780 

Aug-  23"  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  t  t?  j 

J  y      \  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       J  ( 

Mathew  Van  Valkenburgh  having  heretofore  been  bound 
by  a  Recognizance  and  having  been  cited  to  appear  before 
this  Board  to  enter  into  a  Recognizance  of  a  new  and  appear- 
ing agreeable  to  Order  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  501 


vvhenevefrl  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  i7*o 
present  war  with  Lireat  Britain  — 

Mathew  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  East  Dis- 
trict of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 
Blacksmith  in   £100 

Hendrick  Skinkle  of  Claverack  District 
Blacksmith  his   Bail  in   £100 

Hendrick  Skinkle  of  Claverack  having  also  been  cited  to 
appear  before  this  Board  to  enter  into  Recognizance  of 
anew  and  appearing  agreeable  to  Order  — 

[201]  Resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  recognizance  with  a 
sufficient  surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Hendrick    Skinkle    of   Claverack  District 

Blacksmith  in   £100 

Mathew  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  East  Dis- 
trict of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 
Blacksmith  his  Bail  in   £100 

Information  being  exhibited  to  this  Board  that  there  is 
at  present  in  this  City  a  certain  person  who  calls  himself 
James  Van  Zant  who  there  is  the  greatest  reason  to  suspect 
is  an  Emissary  from  the  Enemy  — 

Whereupon  resolved  that  the  said  Person  be  sent  for  & 
examined  on  his  Examination  he  says  he  is  last  Come  from 
Newport  that  he  left  Long  Island  about  three  Years  ago 
that  his  Father  has  a  farm  there  and  that  he  was  led  by 
curiosity  to  see  Albany  and  on  his  producing  a  proper  Pass 
resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Adjourned  — 


502 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  24-  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher      )       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Jacob  Man  confined  by  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies at  Schenectady  was  brought  before  the  Board  and 
as  no  direct  proof  has  as  yet  been  exhibited  against  him 
and  he  offering  a  good  surety  for  his  future  good  conduct  — 
Therefore  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  recognizance  for 
his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  [202]  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
whenever  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  Man  of  Schohary  Farmer  in   £200 

William  Man  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £200 

Philip  Cook  appearing  before  the  Board  according  to 
order  to  enter  into  a  Recognizance  of  anew  — 

Resolved  that  he  [be]  bound  for  his  good  behaviour  doing 
his  duty  &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
Philip  Cook  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Taylor  in   £100 

Wilhelmas   Dillenbagh  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Wilhelmas  Dillenbagh  appearing  before  the  Board  to 
enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  good  behaviour  v 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 


1780 
Aug.  24. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  503 


Wilhelmas  Dillenbagh  of  the  west  District  of  1780 

.  Aug.  2 

the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in. .  £100 
Philip  Cook  of  the  same  place   Taylor  his 
Bail  in   £100 

On  reading  a  Petition  of  Doctor  George  Smith  setting 
forth  his  situation  as  to  Health  and  circumstances  and 
praying  leave  to  go  to  Canada  with  his  Family  — 

Resolved  that  D-  George  Smith  be  informed  that  this 
Board  are  well  acquainted  with  his  State  of  health  &  have 
therefore  no  objections  to  his  going  to  Canada  but  that  it 
is  not  [203]  in  the  power  of  this  Board  to  grant  him  the 
Permission  required  and  that  an  application  of  this  nature 
ought  to  be  made  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  25;h  August  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c        ,  c  • 
•L        _    _     ,     .    >■      K  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       )       (  fe 

A  Certificate  was  laid  before  the  Board  signed  by  Nathan 
Pearce  &  several  others  of  the  Principal  inhabitants  of 
Fredericksborough  in  Dutchess  County  setting  forth  that 
Dr  James  Muldrum  is  a  friend  to  the  American  Cause 
and  that  he  has  behaved  himself  well  for  several  years 
past  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Certificate  that  Dun- 
can M^Dougall  who  became  Bail  for  the  said  D[  James 
Muldrum  be  discharged  from  the  recognizance  by  him 
entered  into  for  the  said  James  Muldrum  — 

Resolved  that  citations  be  made  out  for  John  Cuppernull 
and  John  J.  Vrooman  of  Tryon  County  to  appear  before 
Hugh  Mitchell  Esq^  at  Schenectady  on  the  sixth  day  of 


1 7  So 
Aug.  25. 


5°4 


State  of  New  York 


Aug8°5  September  next  to  enter  into  Recognizance's  for  their  appear- 
ance at  the  next  supream  Court  and  that  the  said  citations 
be  inclosed  in  a  letter  to  the  said  Hugh  Mitchell  to  be  for- 
warded to  them  — 

Angus  McDonald  agreeable  to  the  order  of  this  Board  of 
the  19-  instant  appeared  this  day  before  us  — 

Resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be 
made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned  — 

Aug8°6       t204]  Met  Albany  26^?  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher     j       {  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Ann  Standerren  and  Mary  Partherton  (who 
were  some  time  ago  confined  for  endeavouring  to  persuade 
the  subjects  not  to  take  up  arms  in  defence  of  the  American 
cause)  be  sent  down  to  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
at  Poughkeepsie  for  the  purpose  of  their  being  removed 
within  the  Enemies  Lines  And  that  a  letter  with  respect 
to  them  be  wrote  to  the  said  Commissioners  — 

The  board  having  taken  into  consideration  the  applica- 
tion of  Jacob  A.  Lansing  to  be  liberated  from  confinement 
whereupon  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  from  his  said 
Confinement  on  his  taking  an  Oath  that  he  will  not  directly 
or  indirectly  by  word  or  deed  give  or  cause  to  be  given  any 
aid  comfort  or  intelligence  to  any  of  the  enemies  or  opposers 
of  the  united  States  of  America  and  that  he  will  make  known 
to  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  all  conspiracies  that 
may  be  formed  in  this  State  against  the  liberties  of  America 
and  of  all  treasonable  actings  or  doings  that  may  come  to 
his  Knowledge  and  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  suffi- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  505 


cient  sureties  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  AJ78^6 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  A.  Lansing  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in ...  .  £500 

[205]  Abraham  Ja:  Lansing  of  Lansingburgh 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £250 

William  Liverse  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  also 
his  Bail  in   £250 

John  Sherman  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  Exam- 
ined who  says  he  deserted  from  the  Batteau  Service  at  Fish 
Kill  resolved  that  the  Quarter  Master  General  be  requested 
to  send  him  down  to  Fish  Kill — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  28^?  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |  J  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher     j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

John  Nightingale  who  was  on  the  II—  instant  released 
from  confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with 
Joshua  Bloore  as  his  surety  appeared  this  day  before  the 
Board  and  requested  that  Abraham  Veeder  of  the  Norma[n]s 
Creek  may  be  accepted  as  his  Bail  in  the  stead  of  the  said 
Joshua  Bloore  — 

Whereupon  Resolved  that  the  said  Joshua  Bloore  be 
discharged  from  his  recognizance  and  that  the  said  Abraham 
Veeder  enter  into  a  recognizance  for  the  said  John  Nightin- 
gale's conforming  to  the  Terms  of  the  recognizance  by  him 
entered  into  on  the  said  1 1-  day  of  August  instant  — 


1780 

Aug.  28. 


506 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Abraham  Veeder  of  the  Norma[nls  Creek 

ug.  28.  ,  ... 

Farmer  as  Bail  for  John  Nigh[t]ingale  in  £100 

William  Bowen  a  prisoner  of  war  on  Parole  having  been 
cited  to  appear  before  the  Board  appeared  this  day  according 
to  order 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  Parole  to  proceed  to  Fish- 
[206]  Kill  and  by  the  fourth  day  of  September  next  there 
deliver  himself  up  as  a  prisoner  of  war  to  Philip  Pell  Esq^ 
Commissary  of  state  Prisoners  which  Parole  is  in  the  following 
words  (to  wit)    (see  Parole  on  file) 

Robert  Davis  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  this 
Board  appeared  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  recognizance 
of  anew  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Robert  Davis  of  the  Normans  Kill  School- 
master in   £100 

Volkert  Veeder  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Whereas  Dirck  Gardineir,  Lambert  Burghart  and  John  D. 
Goes  of  Kinderhook  have  been  cited  to  appear  before  this 
Board  at  a  certain  day  now  past  and  have  neglected  to  appear 
whereby  they  have  severally  broken  their  Parole 

Therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed  to 
John  Tillman  forthwith  to  apprehend  and  bring  them 
before  us  — 

Martin  Crom  of  Claverack  District  having  also  been  cited 
to  appear  before  this  Board  and  not  appearing  agreeable  to 
our  order  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  John  Tillman  also 
apprehend  the  said  Martin  Crom  and  bring  him  before  us  — 

Received  a  letter  from  Mathew  Adgate  Esq-r  dated  King 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  507 


District  27—  instant  inclosing  several  Examinations  respecting  A  I78og 
Major  Zadock  Wright  which  Letter  and  examinations  are  in 
the  following  words  (to  wit)   (see  letter  and  examinations  on 
file)  — 

[207]  Received  another  Letter  from  Mathew  Adgate  Esqr 
dated  27-  instant  informing  that  he  sends  to  us  under 
Guard  Samuel  Johnson  who  is  going  about  the  Country  & 
dissuading  people  from  taking  up  Arms  in  defence  of  the 
American  cause  which  Letter  is  in  the  following  words 
(to  wit)  (see  Letter  on  file)  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  29^  August  1780  Aug.%. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       j       (  Samuel  Stringer 

The  Board  having  taken  into  consideration  the  Application 
of  Jacob  J.  Truax  to  be  liberated  from  confinement  do 
thereupon  resolve  that  he  be  discharged  on  his  taking  an 
Oath  not  to  aid  comfort  or  assist  the  enemies  of  the  United 
States  and  to  make  known  all  Plots  &  conspiracies  against  this 
or  any  other  of  the  United  States  of  America  &  on  his  entering 
into  a  recognizance  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  & 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  of  Con- 
spiracies whenever  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  J.  Truax  of  the  City  of  Albany  Inn- 
keeper in   £500 

Isaac  Truax  of  the  same  place  Innkeeper 

his  Bail  in   £250 

Johannis  Wyngart  of  the  same  place  Yeoman 

also  his  Bail  in   £250 


5o8 


State  of  New  York 


1780         Joseph  Hawkins,  Thomas  Yarns,  William  Ball  and  William 
Aug.  29.        .  1 

Griffen  having  been  apprehended  by  Order  of  Albert  Baker, 

John  Moss  &  Noah  Pain  Esq- three  of  the  Justices  of  [208]  the 
peace  for  the  County  of  Charlotte  were  brought  before  the  , 
Board  under  Guard  and  it  appearing  from  the  charges  trans- 
mitted by  the  said  Justices  that  the  said  prisoners  are  dangerous 
&  disaffected  Persons  and  that  they  have  been  with  the  enemy — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  committed  and  a 
mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Deborah  Baker  was  brought  before  the  board  by  Col- 
Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  as  an  evidence  against  Thomas 
Blewer  and  the  said  Deborah  Baker  being  examined  saith  as 
follows  (to  wit)  (see  examination  on  file) 

Adjourned  — 
1780  Met  August  30^?  August  1780 

Aug.  30,  r> 

Present 

John  M  Beeckman  )      (  Mathew  visscher 
Samuel  Stringer       j  ( 

An  Act1  for  the  Legislature  of  this  State  entitled  "  An  Act1 
for  the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Persons  who  have  joined 
the  enemy  passed  if*,  day  of  July  1780  was  laid  before  the 
Board  and  as  it  is  highly  Necessary  the  said  Act  should  be 
put  into  immediate  Execution  and  as  there  are  not  a  sufficient 
number  of  printed  Copies  for  the  different  districts  therefore 
ordered  that  the  secretary  to  this  Board  make  copies  of  the 
said  Act  for  every  district  in  this  County  and  that  the  same 
be  forthwith  transmitted  to  the  Justices  of  the  said  district 
in  order  that  no  delay  may  be  occasioned  in  the  Execution  of K 
the  same  — 

Adjourned  — 

1  Appendix  I:  Laws,  July  1,  1780. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  509 


[209]  Met  Albany  31^  August  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  f       (  A/f    ,      X7.  , 
J  .  <  Matnew  Yissch 

Samuel  Stringer        '  ( 

]ohn  Boyd  Jun-  appearing  before  the  Board  according 
to  order  for  the  purpose  of  entering  into  a  recognizance 
of  anew  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain — 

John  Boyd  Jun-r  of  Balltown  Millwright  in.  £100 
John  Holmes  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £"100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  i  l  September  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       j      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Received  a  letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell  Esqr  dated  the 
20-  August  last  respecting  John  Cuppernull  and  John  J. 
Vrooman  which  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  letter 
on  file) 

Agreeable  to  an  order  of  this  Board  the  following  Persons 
appeared  to  enter  into  new  recognizance's  (to  wit)  Coenrad 
Clapper,  David  Finger,  Martinus  Schuck,  Johannis  Muller, 
Andries  Rees,  Andries  Rees  Jun-  Johannis  Tatter,  Solomon 
Schutt,  Nicholas  Wheeler,  Broer  Witbeeck,  Fite  Miller, 
Johannis    Shaver,    Jacob    Hoofman,    William  Schuck, 


1780 

Aug.  31. 


1780 

Sept.  1. 


State  of  New  York 


ept°i    Albartus  Slemon,  [210]  Johannis  Siemon,  Jurie  Lemon,  & 
John  Concklin  — 

Resolved  that  they  enter  into  the  same  and  that  they 
be  severally  bound  for  their  good  Behaviour  doing  their 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  con- 


tinuance  ot  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

v^oenracit  v^-iapper  01   juivingston  s  ivianor 

£  100 

David  Finger  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

£100 

David  Finger  of  Livingston's  Manor  Farmer 

£100 

Coenradt  Clapper  ot  the  same  place  farmer 

his  Bail  in  

£100 

Martinus  bchuck   ot  Livingston  s  Manor 

Labourer  in. 

£100 

Johannis  Muller  of  the  same  place  his  Bail  in. 

£100 

Andries  Rees  Junr  of  Livingston's  Manor 

Labourer  in  

£100 

Andries  Rees  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in  

£100 

Andries  Rees  of  Livingstons  Manor  Farmer 

£100 

Andries  Rees  Jun^  of  the  same  place  La- 

bourer his  Bail  in  

£100 

Johannis   Tater    of   Livingston's  Manor 

£100 

Solomon  Schutt  of  the  same  place  Labourer 

£100 

Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  511 


Solomon  Schutt  of  Livingston's  Manor 
Labourer  in  

Johannis  Tater  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in  


Nicholas  Wheeler  of  Livingston's  Manor 

£100 

Broer  Witbeeck  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in  

£100 

Broer  Witbeeck   of   Livingston's  Manor 

t  armer  in  

£100 

Nicholas  Wheeler  of  the  same  place  his 

Bail  in  

£100 

Fite  Miller  of  Livingstons  Farmer  in 

£100 

T     1                "       PI                        C     1                                11*      T~>      "1  • 

(ohannis  onaver  ot  the  same  place  his  nail  in 

£100 

TnlnnnK    £Vinvf*r    of"    T  lvmffQtnn'?  IVT^nnr 

lUllillllllJ       UlluVVl       Ul        J—/ 1  V  111      j  Lvl  1    O  lllaJlUl 

£100 

Fite  Miller  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his  Bail  in 

£100 

T           IT            ITT/*                    C  T   *     "                     9      X  l€ 

[21  ij  Jacob  Hooiman  01  Livingston  s  Manor 

p  *a  rmpr  1  n 

William    ^r*niir,L*    c\k    flip   c^mp    nl^r***  r^rmpr 
fYliIld.Hl     ^    UllKK     (  » l     LUC    oa.1 1 1C    UlaLC    1  a  I  1 1  K  1 

his  Bail  in  

^IOO 

William    Schuck   of  Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  in  

^100 

Jacob  Hoofman  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   

^IOO 

Albertus   Siemon  of  Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  in  

^100 

Johannis  Siemon  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in  

^100 

£100 


r 


100 


1780 

Sept.  1. 


State  of  New  York 


ept°i  Johannis  Siemon  of  Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  in   £100 

Albertus  Siemon  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 


John    Concklin    of    Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  in   £100 


Jurie  Lemon  of  Livingston's  Manor  La- 
bourer in   .£100 


Coenradt    Cline    of    Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  Bail  for  Peter  Lampman  in   £100 


John  Tillman  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  us 
that  he  had  agreeable  to  the  warrant  directed  to  him  appre- 
hended Lambert  Burghart  of  the  District  of  Kinderhook 
and  Martin  Crom  of  Claverack  District  — 

Lambert  Burghart  being  brought  before  us  says  that  he  is 
very  willing  to  comply  with  any  order  of  this  Board  respect- 
ing him  but  that  he  is  at  present  in  no  situation  to  travel 
to  Fish  Kill  being  indisposed  occasioned  by  the  Yaws  which 
he  has  had  upon  him  for  a  year  past  and  as  we  have  been 
Certified  as  to  the  truth  of  the  same  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Lambert  Burghart  enter 
into  a  parole  to  remain  at  his  place  of  abode  in  Kinderhook 
District  untill  called  upon  by  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  or  the  Commissary  of  State  Prisoners  — 

Resolved  that  Martin  Crom  appear  before  the  Board  to 
morrow  Morning  — 

[212]  The  Board  taking  into  consideration  the  applica- 
tion of  John  Bratt  to  be  liberated  from  Confinement  — 

Resolved  on  account  of  his  age  &  infirmeties  that  he  be 
released  on  his  taking  an  oath  not  to  comfort  aid  or  assist 
any  of  the  enemies  of  the  United  States  and  to  make  known 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  513 


to  us  all  persons  coming  from  the  enemy  who  secrete  them-  g^7** 
selves  in  the  woods  and  also  on  his  entering  into  a  recog- 
nizance with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Bratt  of  the  Hellebergh  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 
John  Willson  of  Kinderhook  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Barent  Van  Alen  of  the  City  of  Albany  Mar- 

riner  also  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  2-  September  1780  1780 
Present  Sept*  2' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       )       (  Mathew  Visscher 

Martin  Crom  who  was  ordered  to  appear  before  the  Board 
appeared  and  laid  before  us  a  Certificate  signed  by  a  num- 
ber of  Militia  Officers  and  other  of  the  principal  and  well 
affected  inhabitants  of  Claverack  District  Certifying  that  the 
said  Martin  Crom  has  always  since  the  present  war  con- 
ducted himself  as  a  peaceable  subject  of  the  State  and  has 
done  his  duty  faithfully  when  called  upon  And  the  said 
Martin  Crom  also  laying  before  us  two  Letters  [213]  directed 
to  this  Board  the  one  from  Major  John  M^Kinstrey  &  the 
other  from  Joseph  Clarke  both  dated  31s-  August  last  in 
which  said  letters  the  said  Major  M^Kinstrey  and  Josepfh] 
Clarke  recommend  to  us  the  said  Martin  Crom  as  a  faithfull 
and  leige  subject  of  the  State  which  Letters  are  in  the  follow- 
ing words  (to  wit)  (see  letters  on  the  file) 

Resolved  on  consideration  of  the  above  Certificate  and 


5H 


State  of  New  York 


1780     letters  that  Martin  Crom  return  to  his  place  of  abode  in 
oept.  2.   Qaverack  District  and  there  remain  till  called  upon  by  this 
Board  — 

Jacob  Halenbeeck  Jun-  appeared  before  the  Board  accord- 
ing to  order  to  enter  into  recognizance  of  anew  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  Halenbeeck  Jun^  of  Cooksakie  District 

Farmer  in   £100 

Adam  Hilton  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  4^  September  1780 

^P1- 4'  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  1       f  _        ^  _,  , 
z-   ,       ,,.     ,         r     i  Isaac  U.  ronda 
Mathew  Visscher     )  ( 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  John  Cobham 
is  frequently  going  to  the  Northward  &  there  being  great 
reason  to  suspect  that  he  keeps  up  a  correspondancfe]  with  the 
enemy  —  Therefore  resolved  that  the  said  John  Cobham 
[214]  be  ordered  forthwith  to  appear  before  this  Board  — 

John  Cobham  appearing  informed  the  Board  that  there  are 
several  persons  at  Fort  Edward  &  Saragtoga  who  are  in- 
debted to  him  in  large  sums  of  money  and  that  he  has  been 
endeavouring  to  collect  the  same  and  producing  to  the  Board 
several  notes  of  hand  for  Money  due  to  him  thereupon  re- 
solved that  the  said  John  Cobham  be  discharged  and  that  he 
be  cautioned  against  leaving  this  City  in  future  without  a  Pass 
from  this  Board  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  51 


Hazclton  Spencer  an  Ensign  in  Sir  John  Johnsons  Corps  gJ7*> 
having  been  apprehended  at  Danby  in  the  County  of  Char- 
lotte was  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  resolved 
that  he  be  committed  — 

Resolved  that  Isaac  Ostrander  be  liberated  from  his 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Isaac  Ostrander  of  the  Hellebergh  Farmer  in..  £100 
John  Waley  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £ '100 

Cap-  Isaac  Van  Valkenburgh  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  he  and  William  Klauw  had  became 
surety  before  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at  Poug- 
keepsie  for  John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  and  Mathew  McCagge 
who  lately  came  from  New  York  that  they  the  said  John  J. 
Van  Valkenburgh  and  Mathew  M^Cagge  should  in  ten  days 
[215]  surrender  themselves  as  prisoners  to  this  Board  and  pro- 
ducing a  Certificate  of  the  same  from  the  said  Commissioners  — 
And  the  said  John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  being  examin[e]d 
saith  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  file)  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  be  per- 
mitted to  go  to  Kinderhook  on  his  entering  into  a  recog- 
nizance for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  of  Kinderhook 

Labourer  in   £500 

Jurry  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £500 


5i6 


State  of  New  York 


Sept8°4  Also  resolve^  tnat  Mathew  M'jCagge  be  discharged  on 
Peter  L.  Van  Alen  of  Kinderhook  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance for  the  said  Mathew  M^Cagge's  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Peter  L.  Van  Alen  of  Kinderhook  Weaver  as 
Bail  for  Mathew  M-  Cagge  in   £500 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  5^  September  1780 

Sept.  5.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  _  _  , 

~        ,  o   •  r      1  Isaac  D.  ronda 

oamuel  Stringer       J  ( 

Lieutenant  Thomas  Ismay  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  Benjamin  Van  Etten  and  his  son  John  Van 
Etten  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  refuse  to  do  [216]  any 
Militia  duty  and  say  they  will  not  take  up  Arms  against  the 
King  that  William  Hooghtaling  of  the  same  place  said  he  v.as 
a  Kings  man  and  that  he  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  the 
Rebels  and  that  Adrian  Bradt  is  greatly  disaffected  and  that 
the  Persons  who  are  able  to  prove  the  above  charges  are 
Simeon  Viele  and  Philip  Radliff  — 

Resolved  in  consequence  of  the  above  information  that 
citations  be  made  out  and  sent  to  the  said  Simeon  Viele  and 
Philip  Radliff  commanding  their  appearance  before  us  at  the 
City  Hall  on  the  f-  instant  — 

The  board  being  also  informed  that  Ensign  Ephraim 
Hudson  is  able  to  give  information  against  several  disaffected 
Persons  resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  said  Ephraim 
Hudson  requesting  his  appearance  before  us  as  soon  as 
possible  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  517 


Resolved  that  a  citation  be  sent  to        Catharine  Burling- 

•  Sept.  5. 

ham  to  appear  before  us  on  the  7-  instant  to  give  informa- 
tion respecting  the  conduct  of  several  of  the  inhabitants  of 
New  Scotland  — 

John  Broachim  who  was  on  the  10-  August  last  liberated 
from  Confinement  appeared  before  the  Board  with  David 
Kittle  as  his  surety  — 

Resolved  that  Ryer  Schermerhorn  and  Johannis  Weller 
his  former  Bails  be  and  they  are  hereby  discharged  and  that 
the  said  John  Broachim  enter  into  recognizance  anew  with  the 
said  David  Kittle  as  his  surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  duty  &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  [217]  during  the 
continuance  of  the  present  was  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Broachim  of  the  District  of  Schenectady 

Farmer  in   £200 

David  Kittle  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £200 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  6^h  September  1780  Sept°6 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  ?        .  a  . 

i        ^  r      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       {  8 

John  Johnson  of  the  State  of  Connecticut  appeared  before 
the  Board  and  laid  before  us  a  letter  from  Coll  William  B. 
Whiting  of  Kings  District  wherein  the  said  Col1-  Whiting 
request's  that  Samuel  Johnson  who  was  the  other  day  con- 
fined by  Mathew  Adgate  Esq^  for  dissuading  the  inhabitants 
of  this  State  to  take  up  Arms  in  defence  of  the  Country  may 
be  delivered  over  to  the  said  John  Johnson  his  Brother  as  he 
beleives  from  the  former  character  of  the  said  Samuel  John- 


State  of  New  York 


Sept8°6  son  t'iat  ^e  1S  at  Present  Insane  And  that  the  said  John 
Johnson  producing  also  a  letter  from  the  said  Mathew  Adgate 
Esq1;  to  this  Board  advising  compliance  with  the  above 
request  — 

Resolved  in  consequence  of  the  above  Letters  that  the  said 
Samuel  Johnson  be  delivered  over  to  the  said  John  Johnson 
and  that  he  be  cautioned  against  coming  in  this  State  whilst 
he  persists  in  inculcating  such  dangerous  and  destructive 
Principles  — 

Resolved  that  the  Secretary  pay  to  Jesse  Fairchilds1  the 
sum  of  £162  —  16     Continental  Money  on  account  — 

Hendrick  Merkle  appeared  before  the  Board  according 
to  our  order  to  enter  into  anew  Recognizance  — 

[218]  Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  good 
behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Hendrick  Merkle  of  Tryon  County  Farmer  in.  £100 
John  Roff  of  the  City  of  Albany  Merchant 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

^78°  Met  Albany  7^?  September  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher      )      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Siemon  Viele  appeared  before  the  Board  according  to  our 
order  of  the  5th  instant  and  was  examined  his  examination 
is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)    (see  examination  on  file) 

■He  signed  his  name  "Fairchild".  See  note  under  date  of  September 
12,  1780. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


Catharine  Bullingham  and  Philip  RadlifF  being  also  on  * 
the  5th  instant  cited  to  appear  before  the  Board  appeared 
and  were  examined  their  Examination's  are  as  follows  (to 
wit)    (see  examinations  on  file) 

John  Armstrong  who  was  some  time  since  confined  by  Col' 
Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  was  brought  before  the  Board  — 

Resolved  that  (agreeable  to  the  request  of  the  said  Col- 
Rensselaer)  the  said  John  Armstrong  be  liberated  from  con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  future 
good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  [219]  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Armstrong  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Weaver  in   £100 

John  E.  Lansing  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  8^  September  1780  Sep 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  f  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher        j      (  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Jacob  Ball  Jun-  of  the  Bever  Dam  be  dis- 
charged from  confinement  on  entering  into  a  recognizance 
for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  Ball  Junr  of  the  Bever  Dam  Farmer  in  £100 
Peter  Man  Jun^  of  Schohary  Farmer  his  Bail 

in   £100 


520 


State  of  New  York 


1780^  Resolved  also  that  John  Ball  Jun-  be  discharged  from 
confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
behaviour  doing  his  duty  &  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  dur- 
ing the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Ball  Jun-  of  the  Bever  Dam  Labourer  in  £100 
William  Man  of  Schohary  Farmer  his  Bail  in  £100 

Adjourned  — 

[220]  Met  Albany  11-  September  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      f  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D  Fonda       j       \  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  George  Rodgers  be  discharged  from  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Ccmmissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

George  Rodgers  of  the  City  of  Albany  Weaver 

in  £100 

Henry  Van  Wie  of  the  same  place  Carpenter 
his  Bail  in   £ico 

Resolved  that  Mathias  Rose,  William  Rodgers,  John  Stiles, 
Robert  Brisben,  and  John  MfDole  be  severally  cited  to  ap- 
pear before  this  Board  on  the  24—  day  of  September  instant 
with  sufficient  sureties  to  enter  into  new  recognizance's 

A  Letter  directed  to  this  Board  from  Cap-  Isaac  Van 
Valkenburgh  dated  the  9-  instant  was  laid  before  us  wherein 
he  requests  a  Certificate  of  John  Van  Valkenburgh's  having 
entered  into  a  recognizance  before  us  for  his  good  behaviour 


1780 
Sept.  11. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  521 


and  appearance  before  us  when  called  upon  in  order  that  Septal 
the  said  Isaac  Van  Valkenburgh  may  by  producing  the  said 
certificate  be  enabled  to  get  the  Effects  taken  from  him  when 
he  came  from  New  York  and  which  were  detained  by  a 
justice  of  the  peace  residing  at  Crompon  in  Dutchess 
County  — 

Resolved  that  in  compliance  with  the  above  request  a 
certificate  be  made  out  and  transmitted  to  the  [221]  said 
Cap-  Van  Valkenburgh  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  12-  September  1780  Sept.8i2. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  0         .  «  . 

J  >      <  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher       )  ( 

Resolved  that  Christopher  Hutt  be  liberated  from  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Christopher  Hutt  of  the  west  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

William  Monk  of  the  Hellebergh  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  the  Secretary  pay  to  Jesse  Fairchild  the 
sum  of  282^  16s  on  account  of  services  performed  for  this 
Board  — 1 

Adjourned  — 

1  The  item  ordered  paid,  on  September  6,  amounting  to  £162  „  16s., 
and  the  above  amount,  making  together  the  sum  of  /~445  »  12s.,  were 
paid  together.  The  original  voucher  is  in  Revolutionary  Manuscripts,  vol. 
40,  p.  172,  State  Comptroller's  Office. 


522 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  13th  September  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  .  _  . 

H/t   1      * vp     1         r      i  aamuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher      )       (  & 

Thomas  Blewer  having  been  committed  to  Goal  by  Col- 
Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  was  brought  before  the  Board 

Resolved  that  he  be  liberated  from  Confinement  on  en- 
tering into  a  recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his 
good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  &  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

[222]  Thomas  Blewer  of  the  East  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in  .  £100 

David  Groesbeeck  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Cordwainer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  I5l.h  September  1780  — 

Sept.  15.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  | 
Isaac  D.  Fonda  j 

William  Klaw  of  Kline  Kill  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  there  is  at  present  at  Kinderhook  a 
certain  woman  who  has  lately  been  to  New  York  that  from 
every  circumstance  there  is  the  greatest  reason  to  suppose 
that  she  has  been  sent  there  by  certain  Tories  at  Kinder-  " 
hook  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  intelligence  and  it  being 
highly  necessary  that  this  Matter  should  be  enquired  into 
and  properly  investigated  — 

Therefore  Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Major  Isaac 


1780 
Sept.  13. 


j  Samuel  Stringer 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  523 


Goes  requesting  him  to  have  the  said  woman  apprehended 
and  brought  before  him  and  to  examine  her  as  to  the  Names 
of  the  persons  who  sent  her  to  New  York  and  to  send 
the  said  persons  together  with  the  said  woman  forthwith 
to  us  — 

A  Certificate  dated  13th  instant  signed  by  John  L.  Bronk 
and  Philip  Conine  Esq-  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein 
the[y]  set  forth  that  aggreeable  to  a  Law  of  this  State  En- 
titled an  Act  for  the  removal  of  the  Families  "  of  persons 
who  have  joined  the  Enemy"  they  have  warned  the  follow- 
ing persons  to  remove  out  of  this  State  or  to  such  parts  of 
it  as  [223]  are  within  the  power  of  the  enemy  within 
twenty  days  from  the  date  of  the  said  Certificate  Viz'  Rachel 
Halenbeeck  the  wife  of  Casper  P.  Halenbeeck,  Maria  Jan- 
sen  the  wife  of  Johannis  Jansen,  Margaret  Riemer  the  wife 
of  Johannis  Riemer,  Maria  Eckler  the  wife  of  William  Eck- 
leer,  Engeltie  Schram  the  wife  of  Frederick  Schram  and 
Cornelia  Danials  the  wife  of  Dirck  Danials,  ordered  that 
the  said  Certificate  be  filed  — 

A  Certificate  dated  9-  September  signed  by  Samuel  Van 
Veghten  Esq1"  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  County 
of  Albany  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  sets  forth 
that  agreeable  to  the  last  mentioned  act  of  the  Legislature 
he  has  warned  the  following  persons  to  remove  out  of  this 
State  or  to  such  parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  power  of  the  enemy 
Viz1  Catharine  Dies  the  wife  of  Jacob  Dies,  Eva  Dies  the 
wife  of  Mathew  Dies,  Mary  Van  Garde  the  wife  of  Benja- 
min Van  Garde,  Elizabeth  Lampman  the  wife  of  Wilhelmas 
Lampman,  Gertruyd  Dewitt  the  wife  of  Evert  Dewitt,  Jake- 
myntie  Williams  the  wife  of  Frederick  Williams,  Jane  Pick- 
sen  the  wife  of  John  Picksen  and  Jane  Straight  the  wife  of 
Thomas  Straight  — 

Adjourned  — 


524 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  i6*^  September  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        f      \  Mathew  Visscher 

James  Parks  who  came  from  the  enemy  last  spring  hav- 
ing been  apprehended  was  brought  before  the  Board  on 
being  Examined  he  saith  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Exami- 
nation on  file) 

[224]  Resolved  that  the  said  James  Parks  be  confined  and 
that  a  mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Johan  Jurie  Fought  appearing  according  to  our  order  to 
enter  into  anew  recognizance  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  good  behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Johan  Jurie  Fought  of  Lonenburgh  in  the 

District  of  Coxsakie  Farmer  in   £100 

Sylvester  Salsbury  of  the  County  of  Albany 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  an  order  be  made  out  directed  to  Amos 
Lucas  forthwith  to  deliver  up  to  this  Board  William  Tyler 
for  whose  appearance  when  called  upon  he  became  surety  — 

Resolved  that  citations  be  sent  to  John  Wans,  William 
Jackson,  Andrian  Bradt,  Benjamin  Van  Etten,  and  William 
Hooghteling  to  appear  before  this  Board  on  the  19-  day  of 
September  instant  — 

Also  Resolved  that  a  citation  be  sent  to  D-  Thompson  of 
Livi[n]gston's  Manor  to  appear  before  this  Board  on  or  be- 
fore the  first  day  of  October  next  — 

The  board  having  received  information  that  Major  Zadock 
Wright  is  at  present  with  his  Family  in  Cumberland  County — 


1780 
Sept.  16. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  525 


Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Moses  Wright  (who  „  1780 

.        Sept  16 

entered  into  a  bond  to  deliver  up  the  said  Zadock  Wright 
[225]  when  called  upon)  forthwith  to  bring  before  the  Board 
the  said  Zadock  Wright  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  i8~  September  1780  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  „         .  . 

,      ...     ,  h      -{  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher      )       (  b 

Agreeable  to  the  citation  sent  to  Doctor  Thompson  on 
the  16-  instant  he  appeared  resolved  that  the  said  D- 
Thompson  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out 
to  the  Goaler  to  take  him  into  his  custody  and  closely  confine 
him  — 

Cornelia  Danials  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  her  Husband  Dirck  Danials  had  about  four  years  ago 
gone  ofF  to  the  Enemy  and  that  agreeable  to  a  late  Law  John 
L.  Bronk  &  Philip  Conine  Esq^  two  of  the  [Justices]  of  the 
Peace  for  this  County  had  ordered  her  to  leave  this  State  or 
remove  to  such  parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  Power  of  the  enemy 
And  the  said  Cornelia  Danials  laying  before  the  Board  a 
Recommendation  from  the  said  Justices  setting  forth  that  she 
has  always  behaved  herself  in  an  unexceptionable  Manner 
and  recommending  it  to  the  Board  to  grant  her  a  Permit  to 
remain  at  her  Habitation  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  recommendation  that 
a  Permit  be  granted  her  accordingly  — 

John  Stiles  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before  the  Board 
to  enter  into  a  new  Recognizance  appeared  pursuant  to  the 
said  Order  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  with  a  sufficient 


526 


State  of  New  York 


Septfi8  surety  ^or  n*s  g00<^  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  [226] 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Stiles  of  Palmertown  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

James  Eldrige  of  Saragtoga  in  the  County 
aforesaid  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Seth  Perry  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  us 
that  James  Starks,  Ephraim  Knowlton  &  Philip  Philips  are 
endeavouring  daily  to  instil  into  the  minds  of  weak  and 
ignorant  people  a  persuasion  that  it  is  contrary  to  Scripture 
to  take  up  Arms  in  defence  of  the  Country  and  are  otherwise 
by  their  conduct  and  conversation  giving  Offence  to  the 
friends  of  the  American  cause  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  James  Starks,  Ephraim 
Knowlton,  and  Philip  Philips  be  cited  to  appear  before  this 
Board  on  Wednesday  the  27-  day  of  September  instant 
to  answer  the  above  complaint  and  that  the  said  Seth  Pcry 
be  ordered  to  produce  Witnesses  in  support  of  the  said  charge 
on  that  day  — 

Adjourned  — 

J78o  Met  Albany  19-  September  1780 

^  IQ-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  T        1^  1?  j 

t       •  u  v     p        1       (      I  Isaac  D-  Fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

Adrian  Bradt,  Benjamin  Van  Etten  and  William  Jackson, 
having  been  cited  to  appear  before  this  Board  appeared  — 

Resolved  on  consideration  of  the  charges  alledged  against 
them  respectively  that  they  be  committed  and  that  a  [227] 
mittimus  be  made  out  directed  to  the  Goaler  to  take  them  into 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  527 


his  custody  and  safely  keep  them  untill  discharged  by  any  g^8^ 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  — 

James  Starke  having  been  accused  by  Seth  Perry  and  others 
with  being  a  person  disaffected  to  the  American  cause  ap- 
peared before  the  board  and  requested  that  he  might  be  per- 
mitted to  bring  Evidences  before  us  to  invalidate  the  said 
Charge  whereupon  resolved  that  the  secretary  to  this  Board 
furnish  the  said  James  Starke  with  citations  for  such  persons 
as  the  said  James  Starke  may  think  necessary  to  produce  to 
disprove  the  said  Charge  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  20^  September  1780  Septflo. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ]  J  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher     j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

John  M^Dole  having  been  heretofore  bound  by  recog- 
nizance appeared  this  day  according  to  the  order  of  this 
Board  Resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  with 
a  sufficient  surety  for  his  future  good  behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of 
the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  M^Dole  of  Saragtoga  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

John  Mahoney  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Daniel  B.  Bradt  Esq-  Supervisor  for  the  District  of  Hosick 
in  this  County  Certified  to  the  Board  that  he  had  agreeable 
to  the  Law  for  the  Removal  of  Families  of  Persons  who  have 
[228]  gone  off  and  joined  the  Enemy  warned  the  following 
Weomen  to  depart  the  State  or  remove  to  such  parts  of  it  as 


528 


State  of  New  York 


1780  are  jn  (-fog  power  of  the  enemy  in  twenty  days  from  the  time  of 
such  Notification  (to  wit)  Rebecca  Ruyter,  Sarah  Cammeron, 
Catharina  Best,  Elizabeth  Ruyter,  Hannah  Simpson,  Elizabeth 
Letcher,  Ariantie  Wies,  Maria  Young  &  Susannah  Lantman  — 

A  Certificate  signed  by  Daniel  B.  Bradt,  John  Randell, 
and  a  Number  of  other  Persons  residing  in  Hosick  District 
was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  they  set  forth  that  Su- 
sannah Lantman  and  Maria  Young  whose  Husbands  are 
gone  to  the  enemy  and  who  have  been  lately  notified  to  leave 
the  State  are  desirous  of  remaining  at  their  Habitations  — 

Resolved  on  considering  the  subject  of  the  said  Certificate 
thatthis  Board  can  in  nowise  agree  to  grant  Permits  to  the  said 
Susannah  Lantman  &  Maria  Young  for  the  above  Purpose  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  21-  September  1780 

Sept.  21.  present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |  (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       (  Samuel  Stringer 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  William 
Shanklin  formerly  an  inhabitant  of  Cherry  Valley  and  now 
residing  in  the  East  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaer- 
wyck  is  a  person  who  has  always  professed  Principles  Inimical 
to  the  American  cause  and  who  has  at  the  destruction  of 
Cherry  Valley  by  the  Indians  assisted  the  Enemy  in  plunder- 
ing and  robbing  the  well  affected  [229]  Inhabitants  and  the 
same  having  been  attested  to  by  John  Willson  and  James 
Scott  also  formerly  residing  at  Cherry  Valley  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  William  Shanklin  be 
forthwith  apprehended  and  confined  and  that  a  warrant  be 
made  out  for  that  Purpose  — 

A  Letter  directed  to  this  [Board]  dated  19-  instant  from 
Johannis  Lawyer  and  William  Dietz  Esq"  two  of  the  Justices 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  529 


of  the  Peace  of  this  County  was  read  setting  forth  that  Sarah  _  l78° 

J  b  Sept.  21. 

Zimmer  of  Schohary  has  agreeable  to  the  Law  for  the  Re- 
moval of  the  Families  of  persons  who  have  gone  over  to  the 
Enemy  been  warned  to  leave  the  State  or  remove  to  Such 
parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  Power  of  the  enemy  and  she  is  desirous 
of  remaining  at  Home  and  having  always  conducted  herself 
in  an  unexceptionable  manner  they  request  that  Permission 
may  be  granted  her  for  that  Purpose  — 

Resolved  that  the  subject  of  the  above  Letter  be  taken 
into  Consideration  till  to  morrow  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  22nJ  September  1780  Septfai. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       {  Samuel  Stringer 

Noah  Pain  Esqr  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the 
County  of  Charlotte  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid 
before  us  several  Examinations  taken  by  him  respecting 
Thomas  Yarns  and  others  now  here  confined  in  Goal  which 
Examination's  are  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  exam- 
inations on  file)  — 

[230]  The  Board  taking  into  consideration  the  Letter 
received  from  Johannis  Lawyer  and  William  Dietz  Esq-  re- 
specting Sarah  Zimmer  do  resolve  that  a  Permit  be  granted 
to  the  said  Sarah  Zimmer  to  remain  at  her  Habitation  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  23-  September  1780  „  1780 

Present  ept'  23' 

John  M.  Beeckman         )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Benjamin  Van  Etten  be  discharged  from 


53Q 


State  of  New  York 


Sept8^  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  future 
good  Behaviour,  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  contintfance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

Benjamin  Van  Etten  of  the  West  District  of 

the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in. .  £100 
Jacob  Roseboom  of  the  City  of  Albany  Gen- 
tleman his  Bail  in   £100 

Also  resolved  that  Adrian  Bradt  be  discharged  from  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Adrian  Bradt  of  the  west  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

John  RadlifF  of  the  City  of  Albany  Carpenter 
his  Bail  in   £50 

Rykert  Van  Sante  of  the  same  place  Car- 
penter also  his  Bail  in   £50 

[231]  Resolved  that  William  Jackson  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  recognizance  with  a  suffi- 
cient surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  ap- 
pearing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

William  Jackson  of  New  Scotland  in  the  west 
District  of  the  Manor  of  Re/isselaerwyck 
Farmer  in   £100 

Mathew  Watson  of  the  City  of  Albany  Mer- 
chant his  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  531 


Dr  Thompson  made  application  to  the  Board  to  be  lib-  _  I78° 

_  Sept.  23. 

crated  from  confinement  on  account  of  the  Illness  of  his 
wife  and  the  distressed  Situation  of  his  Family  and  he  pro- 
ducing an  Affidavit  of  Jacob  Power  as  to  the  truth  of  the 
above  — 

Resolved  on  the  consideration  thereof  that  the  said 
Thomas  Thompson  be  discharged  from  his  confinement  on 
entering  into  a  recognizance  with  sufficient  sureties  for  his 
appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be 
held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third  Tuesday  in 
October  next  to  answer  to  such  charges  as  shall  then  and 
there  be  alledged  against  [him]  and  not  to  depart  the  Court 
without  Leave  and  for  his  good  behaviour  in  the  mean 
time  — 

Thomas  Thompson  of  the  Manor  of  Living- 
ston Physician  in   £500 

Coenradt  Rosman  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £250 

John  Shuts  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also 

his  Bail  in   £250 

Adjourned  — 

[232]  Met  Albany  24-  September  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  f      (  Samuel  Stringer 

A  Letter  was  laid  before  the  Board  dated  the  23d  Instant 
signed  by  Seth  Perry,  Samuel  Hill  and  other  well  affected 
persons  setting  forth  that  Numbers  of  the  Torys  in  New 
Bethlehem  in  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  are  collecting 
in  the  night  time  and  that  there  is  great  reason  to  suppose 
unless  timely  prevented  they  may  injure  some  of  the  friends  to 


1780 
Sept.  24. 


532 


State  of  New  York 


Sept.824.  tne  American  cause  and  requesting  that  a  warrant  may  be 
granted  for  the  Apprehension  of  the  said  persons  — 

On  taking  the  subject  of  the  above  letter  into  considera- 
tion It  is  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed  to 
Seth  Perry  to  apprehend  all  such  disaffected  persons  as  are 
above  complained  of  and  forthwith  bring  them  before  us  — 

Adjourned  — 

Sejjf  aS.  Met  Albany  25^  September  1780 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
John  M.  Beeckman         j       { Samuel  Stringer 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  Cap-  Isaac 
Lansing  is  able  to  give  some  material  information  against 
James  Legrange  of  this  City  it  is  therefore  ordered  that  the 
said  Isaac  Lansing  be  requested  to  attend  this  Board  imme- 
diately — 

Robert  Brisben  having  been  heretofore  bound  by  [233] 
Recognizance  appeared  before  us  according  to  our  order  to 
enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appear- 
ing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Robert  Brisben  of  Saragtoga  Farmer  in   £100 

Jonathan  Pettit  of  the  City  of  Albany  Cord- 
wainer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Isaac  Lansing  appearing  according  to  our  order  was 
examined  and  his  Examination  is  in  the  following  words 
(to  wit)    (see  examination  on  the  file)  — 

Resolved  in  consequence  of  the  said  Examination  as  the 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  533 


said  James  Legrange  is  under  the  age  of  Twenty  one  Years  SejJ8° 
that  he  procure  some  person  to  become  surety  for  his  future 
good  Behaviour  — 

Arie  Legrange  appearing  before  the  Board  and  being 
willing  to  become  surety  for  James  Legrange  It  is  re- 
solved that  he  enter  into  a  recognizance  for  the  said  James 
Legrange's  future  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  ap- 
pearing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Arie  Legrange  of  the  City  of  Albany  Merchant 

as  Bail  for  his  son  James  Legrange  in.  .  .  .  £100 

Resolved  that  Philip  Herwig  be  requested  immediately 
to  furnish  this  Board  with  the  Crime  of  John  M*:Dorn  & 
that  he  perticularlv  ascertain  the  time  when  the  same  was 
committed  — 

[234]  John  Tunnicliff  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
requested  Permission  for  himself  and  John  Rawbottom  to 
go  to  Tryon  County  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  his  Farm  — 

Resolved  that  Permission  for  that  purpose  be  granted 
them  on  Joshua  Bloore  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  their 
returning  within  a  reasonable  Time  to  this  place  and  behaving 
themselves  during  their  Absence  in  a  becoming  Manner  — 

Joshua  Bloore  of  the  City  of  Albany  Merchant 
as  surety  for  John  Tunnicliff  &  John  Raw- 
bottom  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


Met  Albany  26^  September  1780  sel^ib 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 


Samuel  Stringer       )       f  Mathew  Visscher 


534 


State  of  New  York 


Lieutenant  Ephraim  Hudson  having  been  cited  to  appear 
before  the  Board  in  order  to  his  being  examined  with  re- 
spect to  sundry  persons  living  at  New  Scotland  appeared 
and  being  examined  says  — 

That  William  Jackson  is  a  person  of  weight  &  Influence 
in  the  part  where  he  lives  that  he  is  certain  that  the  Ex- 
presses from  the  Enemy  which  pass  up  &  down  the  Country 
lodge  at  his  House,  that  John  Burnsides  is  a  Tory  and  that 
the  Party  that  robbed  Lieu!  Leonard  went  from  Burnsides 
House  —  (See  Examination  on  file)  — 

John  Herrington  and  Ephraim  Knowlton  having  been 
apprehended  in  consequence  of  a  warrant  issued  on  the 
24-  instant  was  brought  before  the  Board  — 

[235]  Resolved  that  they  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  to  the  Goaler  to  take  them  into  his  Custody  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  27-  September  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 
Samuel  Stringer       )      1  Mathew  Visscher 

The  Board  proceeded  to  the  Examination  of  the  Charge 
of  disaffection  to  the  American  cause  Exhibited  by  Seth 
Perry  against  James  Starks,  Ephraim  Knowlton  &  Philip 
Philips  and  in  support  of  the  said  charge  the  following  per- 
sons were  examined  as  witnesses  (to  wit)  Benjamin  Valen- 
tine, M-  Skinner,  Sarah  Barnum,  Mary  Knowlton,  Samuel 
Hill,  M-  Beagle,  Elizabeth  Barnum,  Jabez  Landers  and 
John  Lawrence  their  Examinations  are  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examinations  of  file) 

In  order  to  invalidate  the  charge  above  alledged  the  said 
James  Starks  requested  that  the  following  persons  might 


1780 
Sept.  27. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  535 


be  examined  (to  wit)  Isaac  Lawrence,  Richard  Lawrence,  "780 
Mine  Lawrence,  William  Barnum,  Jacob  Herrington,  Lena 
Herrington,  Robert  Patrick,  Nathaniel  Culver,  John  Salsbury, 
Dirck  Sluyter,  &  Henry  Salsbury  which  Examination's  are  in 
the  following  words  (to  wit)    (See  examination's  on  the  File) 

Resolved  that  the  consideration  of  the  above  Examina- 
tions be  postponed  till  to  Morrow  Morning  — 

Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  his  Excellency  Gov- 
ernor Clinton  inclosing  a  copy  of  the  Letter  received  from 
[236]  John  D.  Goes  which  Letter  is  in  the  following  words 
(to  wit)    (See  Letter  on  the  file)1 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany        September  1780  Sept?a8. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman    |      j  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Mathew  Visscher 

As  no  Particular  charge  has  yet  been  exhibited  against 
John  Herrington  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 
from  Confinement  — 

The  Board  having  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
Examinations  Yesterday  taken  and  the  charge  of  disaffection 
against  James  Starke  appearing  to  be  well  founded  it  is 
resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  with  sufficient 
sureties  to  remain  within  the  Limits  of  Kings  District  and 
not  depart  the  same  without  leave  obtained  for  that  pur- 
pose from  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
(unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  duty)  and  for  his  good  Behaviour 
and  appearance  before  any  of  the  said  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of 
the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

!  In  George  Clinton  Papers,  no.  3242,  and  the  letter  of  Goes,  no.  3194, 
archives  of  New  York  State  Library. 


536 


State  of  New  York 


Septus  James  Starke  of  Kings  District  Labourer  in . . .  £100 

Nathaniel  Culver  of  the  same  place  Esq-  his 

Bail  in   £  50 

John   Salsbury  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

also  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Adjourned  — 

1780 

Oct.  2.  Met  Albany  2-  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ~  . 

,      ...     .         f        Isaac  D.  fonda 
Mathew  Visscher     j  (. 

[237]  Samuel  Perry  of  Palmerton  having  been  cited  to 
appear  before  the  Board  to  enter  into  a  new  Recognizance 
appeared  for  that  purpose  with  a  sufficient  surety  resolved 
that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of 
the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Samuel  Perry  of  Palmertown  in  the  District 

of  Saragtoga  Farmer  in   £100 

Rowland  Perry  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

John  Perry  having  also  been  cited  to  appear  before  the 
Board  to  enter  into  a  new  Recognizance  appearing  resolved 
that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John    Perry  of  Palmertown   in  Saragtoga 

District  Farmer  in   £100 

Rowland  Perry  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  537 


Met  Albany  31'  October  1780  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |  j  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher       j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Mathias  Rose  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  this 
Board  to  enter  into  a  new  Recognizance  appeared  for  that 
Purpose  with  a  sufficient  surety  — 

Resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  his  good  be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
[238]  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Mathias  Rose  of  Saragtoga  District  Labourer 
in   £100 

Freeman  Barligh  of  the  same  [place]  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £ "100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  4*!?  October  1780  *;8° 

/  t                    1  Oct.  4. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 


Samuel  Stringer       )       (  Mathew  Visscher 

A  Petition  of  Ephraim  Knowlton  was  laid  before  the  Board 
whereby  he  request's  to  be  released  from  Confinement  and 
the  same  being  taken  into  Consideration  — 

Resolved  that  he  be  released  accordingly  on  entering 
into  a  recognizance  for  his  good  behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for  his  appearance 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  on  the 
third  Tuesday  in  October  Instant  at  the  City  Hall  in  this 


538 


State  of  New  York 


Oct84  ^lty  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in 
the  State  of  New  York)  and  not  depart  the  Court  without 
Leave  — 

Ephraim  Knowlton  of  the  East  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  £100 

Thomas  Knowlton  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Robert  Patrick  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

oJt85        [239]  Met  Albany  5^  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  _       .  .         _  . 
i,        in-  C      \    eremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Samuel  Stringer       )       {  J 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  James  Halstead  that 
James  Drummond  of  Nistageune  has  harboured  and  secreted 
Emissaries  from  the  Enemy  and  has  from  the  Commencement 
of  the  present  Contest  been  esteemed  as  a  person  disaffected 
to  the  American  cause  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  citation  be  made  out  directed 
to  the  said  James  Drummond  to  appear  before  this  Board  on 
Saturday  the  seventh  day  of  October  instant  to  answer  the 
above  complaint  — 

It  having  been  suggested  to  us  that  Philip  Van  Rensselaer 
Esq1-  has  received  a  Letter  from  Col-  Richard  Varick  (who 
was  Aid  De  Camp  to  General  Arnold  at  the  time  he  went  off 
to  New  York)  which  contains  Expressions  which  would  tend 
to  discover  some  of  the  persons  concerned  with  Arnold  in 
his  Villianous  Plot  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Philip  Van  Rens- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  53; 


selaer  be  requested  to  attend  this  Board  with  the  said  Letter 

1  Oct.  5. 

as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be  — 

John  TunniclifF  to  whom  a  pass  was  granted  by  this  Board 

to  go  to  Tryon  County  appeared  and  requested  that  Joshua 

Bloore  who  became  suretv  for  his  Return  to  this  City  might  be 

discharged  from  the  Recognizance  entered  into  for  him  resolved 

that  the  said  Joshua  Bloore  be  discharged  accordingly  — 

Adjourned  — 

[240]  Met  Albany  6Lh  October  1780  jgfj 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  , 
•i         ,  _   .  Y      i  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  { 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  Hans  Peter 
Snvder  living  on  Fishkill  at  Saragtoga  has  and  still  keeps  up 
a  Correspondence  with  the  enemy  and  harbours  persons  pass- 
ing through  the  Country  who  are  coming  from  the  enemy  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the 
immediate  apprehension  of  the  said  Hans  Peter  Snyder  and 
that  the  said  warrant  be  inclosed  in  a  Letter  to  Co\[-  Cor- 
nelius Van  Veghten  and  that  he  be  requested  to  have  the 
same  served  — 

Abraham  Hooghteling  who  was  some  time  ago  confined  for 
having  been  with  Brant  and  his  Party  and  who  broke  Goal 
having  been  again  apprehended  was  brought  before  the  Board 
resolved  that  he  be  committed  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  7^?  October  1780  1780 
Present  0ct  * 

Mathew  Visscher      )      j  Isaafc]  D.  Fonda 
John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 


54° 


State  of  New  York 


kt8^  Nicholas  Lake  having  been  heretofore  cited  to  appear 
before  the  Board  appeared  before  us  this  day  to  enter  into 
a  new  Recognizance  resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same 
with  a  sufficient  surety  and  that  he  be  bound  for  his  good 
Behaviour,  doing  his  duty,  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  whenever  called  [241] 
upon  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Nicholas  Lake  of  Cinkaick  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Abraham  Schuyler  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Merchant  his  Bail  in   £100 

A  Return  signed  by  John  Younglove  Esq-  was  laid  before 
us  wherein  he  specifies  that  he  has  agreeable  to  An  Act  of 
the  Legislature  for  the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Persons 
who  have  joined  [the]  enemy  ordered  the  following  persons  to 
depart  this  State  or  remove  to  such  parts  of  it  as  are  in  the 
power  of  the  Enemy,  (to  wit)  Elizabeth  Hogle  the  wife  of 
John  Hogle,  Jane  Hogle  wife  of  Francis  Hogle  and  three 
Children  of  Simeon  Covell  ordered  that  the  said  return  be 
filed  — 

Elizabeth  Hogle  one  of  the  weomen  named  in  the  above 
return  made  by  John  Younglove  Esq-  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  requested  Permission  to  remain  at  her  Habitation 
assigning  as  a  reason  that  her  Husband  was  killed  at  the 
Battle  of  Bennington  and  the  same  being  certified  to  us  by 
sundry  well  affected  inhabitants  of  this  County  and  that  the 
said  Elizabeth  Hogle  has  since  the  going  away  of  her  Husband 
behaved  herself  in  a  becoming  manner  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  permit  be  granted  to  the  said 
Elizabeth  Hogle  for  the  above  purpose  — 

Resolved  that  Henry  Van  Corlaer  who  was  heretofore 
bound  in  a  recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appear- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  541 


ance  before  this  Board  when  called  be  cited  to  appear  forth-  x73o 
with  with  a  suffi-  [242]  cient  surety  to  enter  into  Recognizance 
of  anew  — 

A  Return  signed  by  John  Bebee  Esq?"  one  of  the  Justices 
of  the  peace  for  this  County  was  laid  before  the  Board 
wherein  he  specifies  that  agreeable  to  an  Act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State  entitled  an  Act  for  the  Removal  of  the 
Families  of  Persons  who  have  joined  the  enemy  he  has  warned 
the  following  persons  to  depart  this  State  or  remove  to  such 
parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  power  of  the  Enemy,  (to  wit)  Jerusha 
Ingram  wife  of  Benjamin  Ingram  Junr ,  Mary  M^Carty  wife 
of  Duncan  M?Carty,  Lucretia  Woodward  wife  of  David 
Woodward  &  Abigail  Woodward  wife  of  Josiah  Woodward  - 

Lucretia  Woodward  and  Jerush[a]  Ingraham  two  of  the 
women  named  in  the  above  return  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  requested  Permission  to  remain  at  their  Habitations  and 
produced  to  the  Board  Certificates  from  sundry  of  the  well 
affected  Inhabitants  of  this  County  of  their  good  Character 
and  that  their  remaining  in  the  Country  will  not  be  detri- 
mental to  the  Freedom  &  independence  of  this  and  the 
United  States  in  consequence  of  which  Certificates  and 
recommendations  — 

It  is  resolved  that  a  permit  be  granted  to  the  said  Lu- 
cretia Woodward  and  Jerusha  Ingraham  — 

John  TunniclifF  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
Permission  to  go  to  Tryon  County  in  Search  of  some  Horses 
and  other  Effects  that  were  unjustly  taken  from  him  and 
converted  to  the  Private  use  of  several  Individuals  in  the 
said  County  — 

Resolved  that  agreeable  to  the  said  request  [243]  the 
said  John  TunniclifF  have  Permission  granted  him  to  go  to 
Tryon  County  in  search  of  the  said  Horses  and  Effects  — 

Captain  Jarvis  Mudge  appeared  before  the  Board  &  re- 


542 


State  of  New  York 


1780  quested  that  his  son  in  Law  David  Darrow  now  here  con- 
Oct.  7.  n 

fined  in  Goal  may  be  liberated  from  his  confinement  on 
account  of  the  Illness  of  his  wife  — 

Resolved  in  consequence  of  the  said  Application  that  the 
said  David  Darrow  have  Permission  to  go  and  see  his  wife 
on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Surrendering 
himself  up  to  this  Board  as  a  prisoner  on  or  before  the  28- 
Instant  and  for  his  good  and  peaceable  Behaviour  during 
that  time  — 

David  Darrow  of  New  Lebanon  Kings  Dis- 
trict Farmer  in   £100 

Jarvis  Mudge  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

&t\  Met  Albany  8^-h  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ]       f  „         ,  0  . 

ir   ,  1         r     1  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher      )       I  0 

John  Drummond  having  been  adjudged  a  person  of  a 
Suspicious  Character  and  dangerous  to  the  safety  of  the 
State  and  being  [sic]  in  consequence  thereof  been  ordered 
to  appear  before  this  Board  and  he  appearing  this  day  and 
being  charged  with  the  above  and  denying  the  same  but  at 
the  same  time  professing  his  principles  in  Favour  of  the 
Crown  of  Great  Britain  and  declaring  his  intention  of  not 
taking  up  Arms  in  Defence  of  the  American  Cause  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mit- 
timus be  made  out  for  him  — 

[244]  Cornelius  Viele  appeared  and  requested  that  the 
above  mentioned  John  Drummond  might  on  account  of  the 
distressed  situation  of  his  Family  be  permitted  to  go  Home 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  543 


for  a  few  davs  and  the  said  Cornelius  Viele  being  an  ap- 
proved friend  to  the  Country  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  his  Request  be  complied  with 
and  that  the  said  John  Drummond  have  Permission  to  re- 
turn home  and  surrendering  himself  as  a  Prisoner  to  this 
Board  on  or  before  the  II—  instant  and  in  the  mean  time 
be  of  the  good  Behaviour  — 

John  Drummond  of  Nistageune  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in  £100 

Cornelius  Viele  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  9^  October  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [       \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       )       I  Mathew  Visscher 

Isabel  Clark  of  Cooksborough  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  laid  before  us  a  Certificate  signed  by  Lieu^  Jacob  Halen- 
beeck  and  a  number  of  other  well  affected  Inhabitants  of 
this  County  setting  forth  that  the  said  Isabel  Clark  has 
received  an  order  from  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  to  depart 
the  State  or  remove  to  such  parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  Power 
of  the  Enemy  in  consequence  of  her  Husband's  having  gone 
ofF  to  the  Enemy  and  they  further  Certify  that  the  said  Isabel 
Clark  has  always  behaved  herself  in  a  peaceable  and  quiet  Man- 
ner and  that  they  do  not  conceive  that  her  [245]  remaining  in 
the  Country  will  in  any  wise  prove  dangerous  or  detrimental  to 
the  Freedom  and  Independance  of  this  and  the  United  States  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  Permit  be  made  out  for  the 
said  Isabel  Clark  to  remain  at  her  Habitation  unmolested  — 

Adjourned  — 


1780 
Oct.  8. 


1780 
Oct.  9. 


544 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  10^  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher      )       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Peter  Smith  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  informed  us  that  he  had  received  in 
Payment  from  Melchert  File  three  fifty  Dollar  Bills  Conti- 
nental Money  which  on  being  inspected  were  found  coun- 
terfeit and  it  appearing  probable  to  this  Board  that  the  said 
Counterfeit  money  h  circulated  through  the  State  by  some 
of  the  disaffected  Inhabitants  with  a  view  of  embarrassing 
the  public  Operations  and  it  being  highly  necessary  that  an 
Enquiry  should  be  made  into  the  same  therefore  resolved  in 
Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that  the  said  Peter  Smith 
be  bound  in  a  Recognizance  to  appear  at  the  next  Supream 
Court  to  be  held  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  October  Instant 
to  give  Evidence  with  Respect  to  the  said  Counterfeit  Bills  — 

Peter  Smith  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

Philip  Coenradt  having  also  received  Counterfeit  Bills 
from  the  said  Melchert  File  — 

Resolved  that  he  also  enter  into  a  Recognizance  [246] 
to  appear  at  the  next  Supream  Court  to  give  Evidence 
against  the  said  Melchert  File  — 

Philip  Coenradt  of  the  East   District  of 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  information  of 
Peter  Smith  and  Philip  Coenradt  that  Melchert  File  be 
ordered  to  attend  this  Board  on  Tuesday  the  17-  Day  of 
October  Instant  — 

The   Board    having  received  Information  that  Rvneir 


1780 
Oct.  10. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  545 


Vischer  of  this  City  has  received  in  Payment  Counterfeit 
Continental  Money  and  he  having  been  sent  for  and  appear- 
ing with  the  said  Money  and  informed  us  he  had  received 
the  same  from  Isacher  Childs  — 

Isacher  Childs  being  sent  for  and  examined  with  Respect 
to  the  said  Counterfeit  Money  says  that  he  received  the 
same  from  a  certain  Johnson  — 

Johnson  being  sent  for  and  not  being  able  to  inform  us 
where  he  received  the  same  resolved  that  he  be  informed 
that  this  Board  do  insist  on  knowing  where  and  from  whom 
he  received  the  same  — 

Application  was  made  to  this  Board  for  a  Permit  to  M— 
Edgar  to  go  to  Canada  — 

Resolved  that  Mil  Edgar  be  informed  that  this  Board  are 
not  authorized  to  grant  Permits  for  that  purpose  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  11^  October  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  \ 
Mathew  Visscher       j  \ 


17S0 
Oct.  10. 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 


[247]  Application  was  made  to  the  Board  by  Major 
Reed  for  a  Permit  for  Doctor  George  Smith  to  go  With  his 
Family  to  Canada  — 

Resolved  that  Major  Reed  be  informed  that  this  Board 
are  not  vested  with  a  power  to  grant  Permits  of  that  nature 
but  that  we  have  no  Objections  to  Dr  Smith's  going  provided 
he  can  obtain  his  Excellency  the  Governor's  Permission  — 1 

1  The  Albany  board  advised  Dr.  Smith  or  Smyth,  in  a  letter  of  this  date 
that  it  had  no  objection  to  his  obtaining  a  pass  to  Canada,  provided  it  was 
allowed  by  Colonel  W.  Malcolm,  commanding  the  northern  department,  and 
Malcolm  actually  gave  the  pass  on  the  13th  The  minutes  of  October  17 
and  iS  show  that  the  board  vitiated  this  pass  and  put  Smith  under  a  recog- 
nizance and  bail,  limiting  him  "  to  remain  within  the  Limits  of  his  dwelling 


17S0 

OCE.  II. 


54^ 


State  of  New  York 


Oct78?:  ^  ^e^on  signed  by  Wilhelmas  Van  Antwerp  Esqr  Jus- 
tice of  the  peace  and  a  number  of  other  well  affected  Inhabit- 
ants of  Nistageune  was  laid  before  the  Board,  setting 
forth  that  Margaret  MfCulpin  in  Consequence  of  her  Hus- 
band's having  gone  off  to  the  Enemy  has  been  ordered  to 
depart  this  State  or  remove  to  such  Parts  of  it  as  are  in  the 
Power  of  the  Enemy  and  praying  (on  Account  of  the  unex- 
ceptionable Character  of  the  said  Margaret  M?Culpin) 
that  she  may  be  permitted  to  remain  at  he[r]  Habitation 
unmolested  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Petition  that  a 
Permit  be  granted  to  the  said  Margaret  M^Culpin  for  the 
purpose  above  mentioned  — 

Abraham  Hoogteling  at  present  in  Confinement  was 
ordered  to  be  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  & 
then  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  14H?  October  1780  — 

Oct.  14-  ry  3    *  ' 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  _        .  n  . 

;        „   „     .         f      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       (  to 

John  Kluck  having  been  confined  for  being  disaffected 
to  the  American  cause  and  deemed  dangerous  to  the  [24.S] 
safety  of  the  safety1  [state]  was  brought  before  the  Board 
and  we  judging  his  Confinement  to  have  been  sufficiently 
long  and  he  offering  good  Bail  for  his  future  good 
Conduct  — 

House  and  Yard  and  not  to  depart  the  same  ".  On  October  26,  Smith 
appealed  to  Governor  Clinton,  stated  his  plight  and  averred  that  the  change 
of  base  must  have  been  inspired  by  some  private  enemy  of  his  in  the  board. — 
George  Clinton  Papers,  nos.  3263,  331X,  archives  of  New  York  State  Library. 
1  Error  in  the  original  manuscript. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  547 


Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  liberated  from  Confine-  x78o 

Oct.  14. 

ment  on  his  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  ami  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Kluck  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 
Potter  in   £100 

John  Horn  of  the  same  place  Butcher  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Cap*  John  Decker  Robison  having  been  ordered  to 
deliver  up  John  Smith  to  this  Board  agreeable  to  the  Tenor 
of  his  Recognizance  appeared  with  the  said  John  Smith 
resolved  that  as  the  said  Smith  is  indicted  for  a  Robbery 
committed  at  Frederick  Berringer's  that  he  be  committed 
in  order  that  he  may  be  tried  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780 

Met  Albany  15^?  October  1780  Oct.  15. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        r\  t-  j 

V      I  Isaac  D.  londz 
Mathew  Visscher      )  ( 

Whereas  this  Board  has  received  Information  that  Col- 
Malcolm  the  Commanding  Officer  in  this  place  has  granted 
Permission  to  D-  George  Smith  with  his  Family  and  M" 
Edgar  to  go  to  Canada  and  the  present  time  being  adjudged 
very  improper  by  this  Board  to  permit  the  said  persons  to  go 
on  account  of  the  Enemy's  being  on  the  Frontiers  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  it  be  recommended  to  [240] 
Col1  Malcolm  to  detain  the  said  Doctor  Smith  and  M- 
Edgar  untill  their  going  can  be  no  way  Prejudicial  — 

Adjourned  — 


543 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Met  Albany  16^  October  1780 

Oct.  16.  „  J  ' 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher     )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda  — 

Resolved  that  Susannah  Parie,  John  Barney  and  Nancy 
Thompson  who  this  Board  has  been  informed  are  able  to 
prove  several  charges  alledged  against  Angus  McDonald  and 
Thomas  Thompson  be  severally  cited  to  appear  before  us 
forthwith  that  they  may  be  examined  — 

John  Van  Valkenburgh  who  lately  left  the  Enemy  at  New 
York  and  who  is  at  present  an  Kinderhook  being  able  to 
give  some  very  material  information  respecting  sundry 
inhabitants  of  this  County  now  with  the  Enemy  whereby  the 
Grand  Jury  will  be  able  to  proceed  against  them  agreeable 
to  the  Confiscation  Law  it  is  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
cited  to  appear  at  the  next  Supream  Court  to  be  held  on  the 
third  Tuesday  in  October  instant  — 

Christian  Smith  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor  of 
Rensselaerwyck  being  able  to  prove  that  John  Smith  was 
concerned  in  the  Robbery  committed  on  Frederick  Berringer 
it  is  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  cited  also  to  appear  at  the 
next  Supream  Court  — 

The  Board  having  received  information  from  Catharine 
Burlingham  that  Alexander  Keerklaer  of  New  Scotland 
has  harboured  and  concealed  Joseph  Bettis  an  Emissary 
from  the  [250]  Enemy  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the 
said  Information  that  the  said  Alexander  Kerklaer  be 
ordered  forthwith  to  appear  before  us  to  answer  the  above 
charge  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  549 


Met  Albany  I7lll  October  1780.  1780 
J     '  '  Oct.  17. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (     Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer       \       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

A  Letter  from  Doctor  George  Smith  was  laid  before  the 
Board  wherein  he  informs  us  that  he  has  thought  proper  to 
remove  from  this  place  to  Fort  Edward  and  the  said  Doctor 
Smith  having  received  express  orders  from  this  Board  on  no 
pretence  to  leave  the  City  — 1 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed 
to  John  Tillman  Junr  for  the  Apprehension  of  the  said  DT. 
Smith  and  his  son  Terence  Smith  — 

Israel  Smith  of  Brattleborough  in  the  County  of  Cumber- 
land laid  before  the  Board  a  Letter  from  Col-  Eleazer  Patter- 
son directed  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  by  whom 
the  said  Letter  was  referred  to  this  Board  which  Letter  is 
in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (See  letter  on  File) 

It  appearing  from  the  Contents  of  the  above  Letter  and 
also  from  the  Information  of  the  said  Israel  Smith  that 
Timothy  Church,  Comfort  Joy  and  Jonathan  Mills  Church 
have  held  a  Correspondence  and  kept  up  an  Intercourse 
with  a  certain  Oliver  Church  now  an  Officer  in  the  British 
Army  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the 
immediate  apprehension  of  the  said  Timothy  [251]  Church, 
Comfort  Joy  and  Jonathan  Mills  Church  and  that  the  said 
warrant  be  inclosed  in  a  Letter  to  Col-  Paterson  — 

Resolved  also  that  a  citation  be  made  out  to  Lieutenant 
Joathan  Church  to  appear  before  the  Board  forthwith  in 
order  that  he  may  be  examined  as  to  the  above  — 

Adjourned  — 

1  Cf.  the  note  under  October  1 1  th 


55o 


State  of  New  York 


^So  Met  Albany  18^  October  1780 

Ct.   l8.  J  1 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      (  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer       j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Col'  Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  that  Nicholas  Williams  of  the  Eas[t]  District 
of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  has  lately  entertained  in  his 
house  his  son  who  was  on  his  way  from  New  York  to  Canada 
as  an  Express  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that 
a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the  Apprehension  of  the  said 
Nicholas  Williams  and  that  Col-  Rensselaer  be  requested 
to  procure  a  person  to  serve  the  same  — 

There  being  the  greatest  reason  to  suspect  from  D- 
Smith's  present  conduct  that  he  is  endeavoring  to  mislead  the 
minds  of  weak  and  ignorant  People  it  is  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  sent  for  — 

Doctor  Smith  appearing  and  being  examined  resolved 
in  order  to  prevent  such  Conduct  in  future  that  he  enter 
into  Recognizance  to  remain  within  the  Limits  of  his  dwelling 
House  and  Yard  and  not  depart  the  same  and  that  he  do  not 
hold  any  Correspondence  either  by  word  or  Deed  upon  [252] 
Political  Matters  with  any  Person  or  Persons  inimical  to  the 
American  cause  which  may  tend  to  the  Prejudice  of  this  or  the 
United  States  of  America,  and  appear  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  that  he 
shall  remain  under  these  Restrictions  during  the  continuance  of 
the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  unless  sooner  discharged  — 
George  Smith  of  the  City  of  Albany  Physician 

in  \  £300 

Thomas  Reed  of  the  same  place  Gentleman 
his  Bail  in   £300 

Adjourned 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  551 


Met  Albany  19^  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Mathevv  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer       )       {  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  the  Reverend 
Samuel  Swertfeger  does  frequently  go  to  the  Hellebergh  under 
a  Pretence  of  preaching  the  Gospel  but  in  fact  to  inculcate 
Doctrines  tending  to  disaffect  the  minds  of  well  disposed 
Persons  and  he  being  at  present  in  this  City  it  is  therefore 
resolved  that  he  be  sent  for  — 

The  said  Samuel  Swertfeger  appearing  it  is  resolved  that 
he  enter  into  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his 
good  behaviour  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  &  that 
he  do  not  depart  the  Limits  of  the  District  in  which  he  at 
present  resides  unless  it  be  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  the 
different  Congregations  in  whose  Employ  he  at  present  is 
and  that  he  do  not  mislead  the  minds  of  his  Heerors  by  in- 
culcating Principles  inconsistant  with  the  Freedom  and 
Independ-  [253]  ance  of  this  and  the  United  States  — 

Samuel  Swertfeger  of  the  East  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Clerk   £100 

William  Zoble  of  the  City  of  Albany  Tobaco- 

nist  his  Bail  in   £100 

A  Letter  from  Major  Dickison  at  Stillwater  dated  the 
18-  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs 
us  that  he  has  apprehended  and  sends  to  us  under  Guard  a 
certain  Person  who  calls  himself  John  MvMullin  who  he  sus- 
pects to  be  a  spy  from  the  Enemy,  and  the  said  John  M; - 
Mullin  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  there- 
upon resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be 
made  out  for  him  — 


1780 
Oct.  19. 


552 


State  of  New  York 


x78o        The  above  mentioned  John  M°  Mullin  having  in  the  Course 
ct.  19.  ..... 

of  his  Examination  mentioned  the  Names  of  several  Persons 

at  whose  houses  he  was  secreted  and  harboured  on  his  way 

into  the  Country  and  among  others  Patrick  Ryan  of  the  Green 

Island  in  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  therefore  resolved 

that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the  immediate  apprehension 

of  the  said  Patrick  Ryan. 

Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  General  Schuyler  at 

Saragtoga  informing  him  of  the  Purport  of  MfMullins 

Examination  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  20^  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer      )      \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Patrick  Ryan  for  whose  apprehension  a  warrant  [254] 
was  Yesterday  made  out  was  brought  before  the  Board  on 
being  examined  he  denies  having  seen  John  Mf  Mullen  at  bis 
house  — 

Whereupon  ordered  that  the  said  John  Mf  Mullen  be 
brought  before  us  — 

The  said  John  Mf  Mullen  being  interrogated  as  to  the 
charge  by  him  alledged  against  the  said  Patrick  Ryan  con- 
fesses that  the  said  Patrick  Ryan  was  not  at  Home  during  the 
time  he  was  in  his  house  whereupon  resolved  that  the  said 
Patrick  Ryan  be  discharged  and  that  the  said  Mullen  be 
recommitted  — 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  a  certain 
James  Ayres  at  present  in  this  City  is  endeavouring  at  this 
Time  to  dissuade  Persons  who  are  on  their  way  to  repel  the 
Incursions  of  the  Enemy  to  throw  down  their  Arms  which 


1780 
Oct.  20. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  553 


dangerous  and  destructive  Principles  having  a  Tendency  to  0*J8° 
subvert  the  Constitution  of  the  State  and  the  said  James 
Ayres  being  adjudged  in  the  Opinion  of  this  Board  dangerous 
to  the  safety  and  wellfare  of  the  State 

Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  apprehended  forthwith  and 
confined  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  21-  October  1780  ^80 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        T-k  i?  j 

.  Y      "j  Isaac  D.  honda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  [ 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  there  is  at 
present  in  this  City  a  certain  Person  whose  conduct  and 
Conversation  renders  him  very  suspicious  therefore  [255] 
resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  the  Door  Keeper  be  ordered  to 
bring  the  said  Person  forthwith  before  the  Board. 

Jacob  Kidney  having  agreeable  to  order  apprehended  the 
above  mentioned  person  and  brought  him  before  us  On 
being  examined  he  says  that  his  Names  [sic]  is  James  Small 
and  that  he  is  resident  in  Cambridge  District  resolved 
that  he  be  confined  untill  he  produces  a  Certificate  of  his 
Character  — 

Thomas  Bourn  a  Deserter  from  Burgoyne's  Army  and 
William  Allen  of  New  Concord  in  Kings  District  having 
been  apprehended  as  appearing  to  be  of  Suspicious  Char- 
acters and  being  examined  and  giving  a  satisfactory 
Account  of  themselves  therefore  resolved  that  they  be 
discharged  — 

Received  a  Letter  from  Peter  Cantine  Esq-  wherein  he 
informs  us  that  he  sends  under  Guard  Hendrick  Blunt, 
Hendrick  Bonistel,  and  Petrus  Bonistel  who  are  Persons 
that  are  disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  and  whose  going 


554 


State  of  New  York 


T78o^  at  large  at  this  time  may  be  dangerous  to  the  State  resolved 
in  consequence  of  the  above  Letter  that  they  be  severally 
confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  22^  October  1780  — 

Oct.  22.  n  J  1 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ^  I  T        •  1         r>  1 

■i  .  (  )  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Samuel  Stringer       V      <  T        ^  ~  , 

1         I  I  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Mathew  Visscher      J  \ 

A  Letter  from  the  Honorable  Major  General  [256] 
Schuyler  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs  us 
that  he  sends  under  Guard  Hans  Peter  Snyder  and  James 
Brisben  Inhabitants  of  Saragtoga  District  for  Harbouring 
concealing  and  forwarding  into  the  Country  Spy's  sent  from 
the  Enemy,  and  also  James  Van  Driesen  who  has  come 
from  the  Enemy  in  the  Character  of  a  Spy.  resolved  that 
they  be  severally  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  for  that 
purpose  be  made  out  — 

Thomas  Griffiths  and  Robert  Reynolds  two  of  Sir  Jonn 
Johnson's  party  were  brought  before  the  Board  on  being 
Examined  they  say  they  are  Deserters  from  the  Enemy 
resolved  that  they  be  detained  untill  the  Board  are  better 
satisfied  as  to  their  Characters  — 

Adjourned  — 

I78o  Met  Albany  23"?  October  1780 

Oct.  23.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  ,  _  . 

r_  ,      tt"     1  r      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher      )  ( 


A  Letter  from  the  Reverend  Valentine  Rath  burn  respect- 
ing a  Number  of  Persons  from  New  Lebanon  at  present 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  555 


confined  in  Goal  was  laid  before  the  Board  which  Letter  J78o 

Oct.  2; 

is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (see  Letter  on  file)  re- 
solved that  the  Consideration  thereof  be  postponed  till  a 
future  day  — 

Thomas  Griffiths  and  Robert  Reynolds  who  were  Yes- 
terday examined  were  again  brought  before  the  Board  and 
examined,  their  Examination's  are  in  the  words  following 
(to  wit)    (see  Examinations  on  file) 

James  Van  Driesen  was  Also  brought  before  the  [257] 
Board  and  examined,  his  Examination  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing (to  wit)    (see  Examination  on  file) 

Hans  Peter  Snyder  was  also  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  and  then  ordered  to  be  recommitted 

Adjourned  — 


Met  Albany  24°'  October  1780  1780 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        „  , 

,  o   •  r      1  Isaac  D.  ronda 

bamuel  Mnnger       )  { 

A  Negro  Man  having  been  sent  to  Goal  by  General 
Schuyler  who  was  apprehended  on  his  way  to  the  Enemy 
was  this  day  at  the  request  of  his  Master  brought  before 
the  Board  and  being  examined  says  he  was  persuaded  to  go 
off  by  a  certain  Man  Whose  name  is  Shepherd  who  is  one  of 
the  people  called  Shaking  Quakers  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Negro  Man  be  discharged  — 
Cap1  Jacob  Van  Aernam  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  apprehended  at  the  Hellebergh  a 
certain  Jacob  Schell  formerly  an  Inhabitant  of  that  place 
but  at  present  a  Soldier  in  Sir  John  Johnson's  Regiment  and 
the  said  Jacob  Schell  being  examined  says  that  he  received 
Directions  from  Sir  John  at  the  time  he  left  him  to  inform 


556 


State  of  New  York 


1780     tf,e  inhabitants  of  the  Country  that  those  who  did  not  take 

Oct.  24.  ' 

up  Arms  would  not  be  molested  in  their  Persons  or  Property 
by  the  Kings  Troops  —  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and 
that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him 

Adjourned  — 

Oct!%.        [2581  Met  Albany  25^  October  1780 

Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  „  , 

o        ,  o   •  hi  Isaac  D.  tonda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 


Samuel  Stringer 

At  the  request  of  Col!  Paine  the  Board  having  met  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Examination  of  John  Mf  Mullen  his  Exami- 
nation is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  his  Examination 
on  File)   ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

Jacob  Schell  and  James  Van  Driesen  were  also  brought 
before  the  Board  and  examined  and  ordered  to  be 
recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

Oct?.%.  Met  Albany  27-  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Christian  Frihart  belonging  to  Sir  John  Johnson's  Party 
was  brought  before  the  Board  and  being  examined  says  as 
follows  (to  wit)    (see  Examination  on  file) 

Benjamin  Benton  also  belonging  to  Sir  John's  Corps 
having  been  taken  Prisoner  and  brought  before  the  Board 
was  also  examined  his  examination  is  in  the  words  following 
(to  wit)   (see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  557 


Present 


Met  Albany  28th  October  1780  »78o 
J  '  Oct.  28. 


John  M.  Beeckman  )      \  T       ~  ^  . 
i.   .       > *■     1  f      1  Isaac  U.  Jbonda 

Mathew  Visscher      )  { 

[259]  Zepheniah  Batchelor  Esqf  appeared  before  the 
Board  with  Peter  Jost  an  Inhabitant  of  Johnstown  in  Tryon 
County  who  he  informed  us  had  gone  to  Sir  John  at  the 
Destruction  of  Caughnawaga  and  the  said  Peter  Jost  being 
examined  denies  the  above  Charge  and  Offers  to  swear 
that  he  was  taken  a  Prisoner  and  says  he  is  able  to  prove 
the  same  by  several  creditable  Persons  and  it  appearing  to  us 
from  sundry  Circumstances  that  what  has  been  alledged  by 
the  said  Peter  Jost  is  true 

Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 
Major  Newkerk  of  Tryon  County  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  us  that  among  the  Prisoners  who  are 
ordered  down  to  Fishkill  there  is  a  certain  [blank]  who  has 
always  behaved  himself  as  a  peaceable  subject  of  this 
State  &  has  been  reputed  a  Friend  to  the  American  Cause 
that  he  was  last  spring  taken  Prisoner  by  the  Enemy  and 
joined  Sir  John  for  no  other  Purpose  than  that  he  might 
have  an  Oppertunity  of  making  his  Escape,  resolved  there- 
fore that  Col'  Malcolm  be  requested  to  detain  him  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  29th  October  1780  178c 
Present  0ct" 2* 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  _  . 

1       T7-     1         r      "j  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher      )       (  b 

A  Letter  was  laid  before  the  Board  from  the  Hon^If 
Major  General  Schuyler  wherein  he  informs  us  that  he  sends 
to  us  under  Guard  two  Prisoners  named  William  Vrooman 


55» 


State  of  New  York 


1780  ancl  Henry  Tinkey  —  That  the  said  William  Vrooman  has 
ct.  29.  J  1  . 

aided  comforted  and  assisted  a  certain  James  Van  [260] 
Driesen  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  and  that  the  said  Henry 
Tinkey  has  harboured  and  assisted  John  M- Mullen  also  a 
spy  from  the  Enemy  — 

Resolved  that  they  be  severally  committed  and  that  a 
Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

In  the  above  mentioned  Letter  of  General  Schuyler 
mention  is  also  made  of  a  Number  of  Tory  woemen  who  are 
at  present  at  Saragtoga  and  who  are  desirous  of  going  to 
Canada  resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governor  be  in- 
formed of  the  same  by  one  of  the  Members  of  this  Board  and 
that  the  necessity  of  their  departure  be  pointed  to  him  — 

Adjourned 

1CI78°0  Met  Albany  30^  October  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  S       I  Samuel  Stringer 

A  Letter  from  Col1-  Macolm  dated  at  Schenectady  was  laid 
before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs  that  he  sends  to  us 
under  Guard  two  prisoners  named  Isaac  Aerse  and  Adam 
Hoofer  who  were  of  Sir  John  Johnson's  Party  at  the  time  of 
his  destroying  the  Settlement  of  Schohary  —  resolved  that 
they  be  Examined  — 

The  said  Isaac  Aerse  and  Adam  Hoofer  being  examined 
say  as  follows  —  (See  their  Examination  on  file)  —  ordered 
that  they  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for 
them  — 

Cap-  Blackley  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  agreeable  to  a  warrant  from  this  Board  [261]  (trans- 
mitted to  Col1  Patterson  on  the  17th  Instant)  he  had  appre- 
hended Cap-1  Timothy  Church  and  Jonathan  Mills  Church 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


resolved  that  they  be  [brought!  before  [the!  Board  and  '78o 

ii  •     j  L      1  Oct.  30. 

severally  Examined  — 

Cap-    Timothy  Church    and   Jonathan    Mills  Church 

being  examined  say  as  follows  (see  their  Examinations  on 

File)  - 

Lieu-  Jonathan  Church  who  was  cited  to  appear  this  Day 
before  us  as  a  Witness  against  the  said  Timothy  Church  & 
Jonathan  Mills  Church  appeared  and  was  examined  (see  his 
Examination  on  file)  — 

Resolved  on  Consideration  of  the  above  Examinations 
that  Jonathan  Mills  Church  be  discharged  and  that  Timothy 
Church  be  discharged  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for 
his  Appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  called  upon  and  for  his  good  Behaviour 
and  doing  his  duty  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Timothy  Church  of  Brattleborough  in  the 

County  of  Cumberland  Farmer  in   £300 

Benjamin   Butterfield  of  the    same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £200 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  31-  October  1780 —  1780 
Present  0ct- 3I' 

John  M.  Beeckman         )       (  0        .  _  . 

"V        •  1  tt     r»        1       f       1  oamuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       (  0 

Resolved  that  David  Fairchilds  be  liberated  from  his 
present  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  [262]  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 


560 


State  of  New  York 


Oct78^  David  Fairchilds  of  Ballstown  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Mathew  Fairchilds  of  the  same  place  Taylor 
his  Bail  in   £100 

John  Leslie  a  Deserter  from  Sir  John  Johnson's  Party- 
appeared  before  us  and  being  examined  and  requesting  Per- 
mission to  go  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  resolved  that 
he  have  the  same  granted  him  — 

Adjourned 

^Jfo  Met  Albany  6^  November  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman        )       (  T        „  , 
t       •  ,  T7     r>        ,      f      )  Isaac  D.  ronda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

Hugh  M?Manus  of  Tryon  County  Constable  appeared 
before  the  Board  with  Albert  Van  Der  Werken  as  a  Prisoner 
which  said  Van  Der  Werken  he  informs  us  he  had  appre- 
hended by  order  of  Zepheniah  Batchelor  Esq-  and  some  of 
the  other  Justices  of  Tryon  County  and  the  said  Albert  Van 
Der  Werken  being  examined  says  that  he  last  Spring  went  01T 
to  Canada  with  Robert  Snell  that  afterwards  repenting  of 
what  he  had  done  he  returned  with  an  Intention  of  throwing 
himself  upon  the  Mercy  of  the  Country  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Albert  Van  Der  Werken  be  ordered 
to  attend  this  Board  to  Morrow  Morning  and  that  he  be 
informed  in  the  mean  time  his  case  will  be  taken  into  Con- 
sideration — 

William  Hoofer  being  brought  before  the  Board  [263]  was 
examined  and  then  ordered  to  be  recommitted  — 

Zepheniah  Batchelor  Esqr  laid  before  the  Board  a  return 
of  a  Number  of  woemen  whose  Husbands  are  gone  off  to  the 
Enemy  and  who  he  has  warned  agreeable  to  the  Act  of  the 
Legislature  of  this  State  for  the  Removal'  of  the  Families 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  561 


of  Persons  who  have  gone  over  to  and  joined  the  Enemy  NI73;> 
Ordered  that  the  said  return  be  filed  — 

A  Letter  from  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at 
I\  ughkeepsie  dated  the  3-  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board 
wherein  the[y]  inform  us  that  they  send  to  us  a  certain 
William  Laird  an  Inhabitant  of  Tryon  County  who  says  he 
was  taken  Prisoner  last  spring  by  the  Enemy  and  that  he  has 
in  Sir  John's  late  Expedition  made  his  escape  from  them 
resolved  that  he  be  ordered  to  attend  this  Board  to  Morrow 
Morning  — 

A  Letter  from  Doctor  George  Smith1  was  laid  before  the 
Board  wherein  he  sets  forth  the  distressed  Situation  of  his 
Family  by  means  of  his  being  confined  to  his  house  and  the 
same  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  that  he  enter 
into  a  Recognizance  to  remain  within  the  Limits  of  this  City 
untill  this  Board  shall  think  proper  to  discharge  him  from 
these  Restrictions  and  that  he  shall  not  hold  Correspondence 
upon  Political  Matters  during  that  Time  which  may  in  any 
manner  be  prejudicial  to  the  United  States  — 

George  Smith  of  the  City  of  Albany,  Phy- 
sician in   £500 

Thomas  Reed  of  the  same  Place  Esq?  his 

Bail  in   £500 

Adjourned 

[264]  Met  Albany  7H1  November  1780  ^J*80 

Preeent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  T        ~   _  , 

t        •  1   T7      ™        ,       r      1  Isaac  U.  ronda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

Albert  Van  Der  Werken  who  was  Yesterday  before  the 
Board  and  was  ordered  to  attend  again  this  day  appeared 

1  See  note  under  date  of  October  nth. 


562 


State  of  New  York 


Hoy80  agreeable  to  order  and  prayed  that  Peter  Sietz  and  M[ Can- 
non who  have  been  Prisoners  in  Canada  and  were  lately  ex- 
changed might  be  examined  and  the  said  Persons  being 
Examined  say  while  they  were  in  Canada  they  saw  Albert 
Van  Der  Werken  there  and  that  he  acted  as  a  Bar  Keeper 
in  a  Tavern  and  they  could  not  learn  that  he  had  taken  up 
Arms  in  the  Enemies  service  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  information  that 
the  said  Albert  Van  Der  Werken  be  permitted  to  go  at  large 
on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the 
continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  -—■ 

Albert  Van  Der  Werken  of  Johns  Town  in 
Tryon  County  Farmer  in   £200 

Jacob  Van  Der  Werken  of  the  Sant  Vlacte  in 
the  County  of  Tryon  Farmer  his  Bail ...  £200 

Johan  Jost  Warner  having  been  bound  for  his  Appear- 
ance at  the  Supream  Court  held  in  this  City  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  October  last  and  there  having  been  no  Grand 
Jury    in    that    time  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Johan  Jost  Warner  enter 
[265]  into  Recognizance  of  anew  for  his  Appearance  at  the 
next  Supream  Court  to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  January  next  and  not  depart  the 
Court  without  Leave  — 

Johan  Jost  Warner  of  Schohary  Farmer  in. .  £100 

Resolved  that  the  said  Johan  Jost  Warner  also  enter  into 
a  Recognizance  for  the  appearance  of  his  wife  Margaret 
Warner  at  the  next  Supream  Court  — 

Johan  Jost  Warner  Bail  for  his  wife  Margaret 

Warner  in   £50 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  563 


William   Laird   appearing   agreeable   to   the   Order  of  *78o 
vv        °     b  .  Nov.  7. 

Yesterday  resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  for  his 

Appearance  before  Zepheniah   Batchelor  Esq-  of  Tryon 

County  with  a  sufficient  surety  to  enter  into  Recognizance 

for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 

any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called 

upon  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 

Britain  — 

William  Laird  of  Kingsborough  in  Tryon 

County  Farmer  in   £100 

Jacob  Van  Der  Werken  of  the  Sant  Vlacte  in 
Tryon  County  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £\oo 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  8^  November  1780  l78o 
Present  Nov-  8- 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        „.   „  , 

,        •  1  17      t»        if]  Isaac  U.  fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

William  Loucks  appeared  before  the  Board  agreeable  to 
our  order  and  being  examined  says  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see 
Examination  on  File) 

Information  having  been  received  from  M—  [266]  Camp- 
bell who  lately  was  exchanged  and  came  from  Canada  that 
John  Docksteder  of  Tryon  County  did  last  Spring  take  into 
his  House  a  wounded  Soldier  of  Sir  John  Johnson's  Party 
and  that  he  did  after  the  said  Soldier  was  recovered  for 
some  time  keep  him  in  his  House  in  woman's  Cloath's 
untill  he  made  his  Escape  to  Canada  —  It  is  in  Consequence 
thereof  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the  said 
John  Dockstader  and  transmitted  to  Zepheniah  Batchelor 
Esq-  to  have  the  same  served  as  soon  as  possible  — 

Adjourned  — 


5<H 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  o/-  November  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  } 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  \ 

Resolved  that  William  Shanklin  be  liberated  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  suffi- 
cient surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

William  Shanklin  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in .  .  .  £100 
Andrew  Shanklin  of  the  City  of  Albany  La- 
bourer Bail  in   £100 

Col'.  Anthony  Van  Bergen  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  a  Number  of  disaffected  Persons  have  of 
late  associated  back  of  Cooksakie  under  a  Pretence  of 
Religious  worship  but  that  he  is  well  persuaded  from  the 
Political  Chara[c]ters  of  the  said  persons  and  other  Circum- 
stances [267]  that  such  meetings  are  only  held  to  Deliberate 
upon  such  Matters  as  may  tend  to  injure  the  American  Cause 
to  prevent  which  in  future 

It  is  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  and  delivered 
to  Col'  Van  Bergen  for  the  Apprehension  of  the  persons 
above  described  and  that  he  be  requested  to  have  the  same 
served  as  soon  as  possible  — 

Abraham  Hooghteling  was  brought  before  us  and  exam- 
ined on  his  Examination  he  says  that  a  Number  of  persons 
have  been  lately  enlisted  by  Jacob  Halenbeeck  at  Niscuthaw 
and  places  adjacent  and  that  their  Intention  is  early  in  the 
spring  to  Join  the  Enemy  which  Examination  is  in  the 
words  following  (to  wit)  (See  Examination  on  file) 

Adjourned  — 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  565 


Met  Albany  10th  November  1780  .1780 

,..  J  '  Nov.  ia. 

1  resent 

John  M.  Beeckman  ^       f,        ^  ~  , 

t        •  u  v      p        1  Isaac  D  Fonda 

eremiah  Van  Rensselaer  >•      ■{  r         .  0  . 

„.     ,  (       j  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher  J  V 

The  Board  taking  into  Consideration  the  Examination  of 
Abraham  Hooghteling  who  was  examined  Yesterday  Re- 
solved in  Consequence  thereof  that  the  Hon—  Brigadier 
Gen-  Ten  Broeck  be  requested  to  order  a  party  of  the  Cook- 
sakie  Militia  now  in  this  City  to  go  and  apprehend  all  such 
Persons  as  are  mentioned  in  the  Examination  of  the  said 
Abraham  Hooghtelintr  — ■ 

General  Ten  Broeck  having  appointed  Lieu-  Rykert  Van 
Den  Bergh  with  a  Party  of  Col1  Van  Bergens  Regiment  to 
go  and  apprehend  the  said  Persons  —  Resolved  that  Instruc- 
tions be  made  for  him  which  Instructions  are  in  the  words 
following  (to  wit)  (See  instructions  on  File) 

[268]  It  appearing  also  from  Hoogteling's  Examination 
that  a  Number  of  Persons  in  Livingston's  Manor  are  con- 
cerned in  the  Enlistment  mentioned  in  the  said  Examina- 
tion therefore  resolved  that  General  Ten  Broeck  be  also 
requested  to  detach  a  Party  of  that  Quarter  for  the  Appre- 
hension of  all  such  Persons  and  that  Instructions  be  made 
out  to  the  Officer  who  is  to  command  the  said  party  which 
Instructions  are  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Copy 
Instructions  on  File) 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  John  Walty- 
mier  who  frequently  passes  thro  the  Country  as  an  Express 
from  the  enemy  crosses  Hudsons  River  at  Hendrick  Claws 
who  lives  near  the  Kinderhook  Landing  an[d]  that  said 
Claw  harbours  Waltymier  It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a 
Letter  be  wrote  to  Col1-  Abraham  Van  Alstyne  requesting 


566 


State  of  New  York 


T78o     him  to  have  the  said  Hendrick  Clauw  apprehended  and 
brought  before  us  — 

Lieu-  Rykert  Van  Den  Bergh  having  in  Consequence  of 
our  warrant  apprehended  Jacob  Halenbeeck  Jun-  and  he 
being  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  resolved 
that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for 
him  — 

Resolved  that  General  Ten  Broeck  be  requested  to  detach 
a  Party  of  Col1  Van  Ness's  Regiment  to  go  to  Coyemans 
and  there  to  take  Charge  of  and  bring  to  Goal  such  Prison- 
ers as  may  be  delivered  over  to  him  by  Lieu-  Van  Den 
Bergh  — 

Alexander  Bryant  of  the  Half  Moon  [269]  was  brought 
before  us  by  Col'  Schoonhoven  in  order  that  he  might  be 
examined  as  to  sundry  disaffected  Persons  and  the  said 
Bryant  being  examined  his  Examination  is  as  follows  (to 
wit)  (see  Examination  on  File) 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  H?h  November  1780 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  ^  \  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Abraham  Hoogteling  was  ordered  to  be  brought 
before  the  Board  &  being  again  Examined  ordered  that 
he  be  recommitted  — 

Cap-  Cornelius  Hogeboom  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  that  he  had  agreeable  to  the  Directions  received 
from  us  proceeded  to  Coyemans  where  he  had  received  of 
Lieu-  Van  Den  Bergh  the  following  persons  as  Prisoners 
(to  wit)  John  Witbeeck,  Nicholas  Huyck,  Johannis  Huyck 
Jun-,  Peter  Huyck,  David  Van  Dyck,  William  Hoogteling, 


1780 
Nov.  11. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  567 


Tohannis  Witbeeck,  Henrv  Huyck,  Joachim  Collver,  John  *78o 

*.  ...         Nov.  1 

Schram,  John  Ver  Plank,  Peter  Finehout,  and  William 
Plato  —  resolved  that  they  be  severally  committed  and  that 
a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

William  Plato  one  of  the  persons  above  mentioned  was 
ordered  to  be  brought  before  us  for  Examination  on  being 
Examined  he  says  as  follows  (to  wit)  (See  his  Examination 
on  File)  — 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  James  Van  Driesen 
that  Archibald  MfNeal  and  Ezekiel  Ensign  of  [270] 
Saragtoga  Jo[t]ham  Bemus  of  Stillwater  and  some  others 
have  carried  on  a  Correspondence  with  the  Enemy  and 
have  aided  comforted  and  assisted  Parties  going  to  and 
coming  from  the  enemy  It  is  resolved  in  Consequence 
of  the  said  Information  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the 
immediate  apprehension  of  the  said  Persons  and  that  the 
same  be  forthwith  transmitted  to  General  Schuyler  now  at 
Saragtoga  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  12-  November  1780 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  [       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher  )       {  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Lieu?  Van  Den  Bergh  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  agreeable  to  our  warrant  appre- 
hended John  Coenly,  Lowrence  Deal  and  Beriah  Kellv  and 
they  being  severally  produced  and  Examined  resolved  that 
they  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  directed 
to  the  Goaler  to  take  them  into  his  Custodv  and  detain 
them  until  discharged  by  an  order  of  this  Board  — 

Adjourned 


1780 

Nov.  12. 


568 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Met  Albany  12^  November  1780  — 

Nov-^  Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       ( T        ^  _  , 
„        .  n   .  Y      -.Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  btnnger  )  ( 

Captain  Bleecker  of  Col1-  Gansevoort's  Regiment  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  informed  us  that  he  had  agreeable  to 
a  warrant  of  this  Board  delivered  to  him  by  Gen1-  Schuyler 
apprehended  Archibald  M;Neal,  Ezekiel  Ensign  [271] 
Jotham  Bemus  and  Joseph  Carr  and  they  being  severally 
brought  in  &  Examined  resolved  that  they  be  committed  and 
that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  to  the  Sheriff  to  take  them  into 
his  Custody  and  safely  keep  until  discharged  by  this  Board. 

Lowrence  Deal  and  John  Coenly  who  were  Yesterday 
confined  were  ordered  to  be  brought  before  the  Board  and 
examined  their  Examinations  are  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see 
Examination  on  file)    ordered  that  they  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

»x785  Met  Albany  14^  November  1780 

Present 

Mathew  Visscher  )       j  Samuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Peter  Finehout  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  exam- 
ined his  Examination  is  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination 
on  File) 

The  Board  having  been  informed  that  Hoogteling  and 
Lena  Hoogteling  residing  at  Aquatuck  will  be  able  to  give 
Information  respecting  the  Persons  apprehended  in  that 
Quarter  and  who  are  at  present  in  Confinement  therefore 
resolved  that  they  be  severally  cited  to  appear  before  us  to 
Morrow  Morning  at  10  OClock  — 

Cap1  Coenradt  Klyne  appeared  before  the  Board  & 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


informed  that  agreeable  to  an  order  of  this  Board  he  had  _ x1 
°  t  Nov 

apprehended  Henry  Smith  Junr  ,  Henry  Bonestel,  James 
M'Coy,  John  Harvey,  John  Bunt,  John  Snocck,  Thomas 
Whiting,  John  Hoogteling  and  Henry  Hoogteling  and  they 
being  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  ordered  that 
they  be  committed  and  that  [272]  a  Mittimus  be  made  out 
for  them  — 1 

A  Letter  from  Col-  Peter  Livingston  was  laid  before  the 
Board  dated  the  II-  Instant  wherein  he  informs  us  that 
lie  sends  an  Examination  of  Anna  Proper  respecting  James 
MfCoy  which  Examination  is  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see 
Examination  on  File)  — 

A  Letter  from  Col-  Henry  j.  Van  Rensselaer  was  laid 
before  the  Board  dated  16th  Instant  respecting  John  Harvey 
who  was  lately  apprehended  and  brought  to  Goal  by  Cap- 
Coenradt  Klyne  in  which  Letter  he  informs  us  that  the  said 
Harvey  is  a  very  dangerous  Person  ordered  that  the  said 
Letter  be  filed  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  15^  November  1780 

Present 

Mathew  Visscher  )       (  _        .  0  . 
j  t»     t     f      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda    )       (  to 

Resolved  that  William  Lees  be  liberated  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Appearance 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  doing  his  duty  &  be  of  the  good 
Behaviour  for  and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 


1 

Nov 


'  Captain  Cline,  Kline  or  Klyne,  was  paid  Co  u  o  „  2d.  in  "  hard  money  " 
for  this  service.  The  original  voucher  is  in  Revolutionary  Manuscripts, 
vol.  40,  p.  162,  State  Comptroller's  office. 


57o 


State  of  New  York 


1780  William  Lees  of  Nistageune  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Blacksmith  in   £100 

Jesse  Fairchild  of  the  City  of  Albany  Black- 
smith his  Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  having  received  information  that  [273]  Joseph 


Stalker  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 
is  knowing  to  several  Villianies  committed  by  persons  living 
at  New  Scotland  such  as  harbouring  spies  from  the  Enemy 
&c-  resolved  that  the  said  Joseph  Stalker  be  cited  to  appear 
before  us  on  Friday  next  in  Order  to  his  being  Examined 
as  to  the  above 

Resolved  that  Johannis  Huyck  be  liberated  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  for  and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 


with  Great  Britain  — 

Johannis  Huyck  of  Hackatough  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Labourer  in   £100 

Gerrit  Van  Wie  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Cordwainer  his 
Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  Jacob  Halenbeeck  Jun-  be  liberated  from 
Confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 
remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  Dwelling  house  and 
Yard  of  Samuel  Pruyn  situate  within  the  third  Ward  of 
this  City  until  discharged  from  the  said  Restrictions  by  this 
Board  or  any  other  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies and  for  his  good  Behaviour  during  that  Time  — 
Jacob  Halenbeeck  Jun-  of  Klinkenbergh  in 

the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £500 

Jacob  Halenbeeck  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £500 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  571 


Resolved  that  James  Whitacre  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
[274]  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  for  and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
War  with  Great  Britain  — 

James  Whitacre  of  Nistageune  in  the  County 


of  Albany  Labourer  in   £100 

Williams  Lees  of  the  same  place  Blacksmith 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — ■ 

Met  Albany  16-  November  1780  1780 
Present  Nov-  l6- 


Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  \  John  M.  Beeckman 
Samuel  Stringer  Mathew  Visscher 

Resolved  that  John  Hocknel  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour, doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for 
and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 


Britain  — 

John  Hocknel  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

Peter  Scharp  of  the  City  of  Albany  Carpenter 
his  Bail  in   £100 


Col-  Abraham  Van  Alstyne  having  agreeable  to  a  Request 
of  this  Board  of  the  10-  Instant  caused  Hendrick  Clauw 
to  be  apprehended  and  brought  before  us  and  the  said  Clauw 
being  examined  and  it  appearing  probable  to  this  Board 
from  his  Examination  and  other  [275]  Circumstances  that 
he  is  innocent  of  the  Crime  laid  to  his  Charge  but  as  the  said 
Hendrick  Clauw  is  reputed  a  disaffected  Person  — 


572 


State  of  New  York 


No78i6  Therefore  resolved  that  previous  to  his  being  discharged 
he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for  and  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and 
for  his  procuring  a  good  sufficient  Bail  on  or  before  the  25- 
day  of  November  Instant  — 

Hendrick  Clauw  of  the  District  of  Kinder- 
hook  in  the  County  of  Albany  Carpenter  in  £100 

James  Van  Driesen  was  brought  before  the  Board  & 
examined  and  ordered  to  be  recommitted  — 

Resolved  that  Joseph  Hawkins  be  liberated  from  Confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for 
and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  and  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  this  City 
and  not  departing  the  same  (unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  or  other 
Military  Duty)  without  the  Consent  and  Approbation  of  this 
Board  — 

Joseph  Hawkins  of  Kingsbury  in  the  County 

of  Charlotte  Yeoman  in   £100 

William  Shepherd  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Cutler  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Nov.8^.      [276]         Met  Albany  17^  November  1780 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       (  Mathew  Visscher 

Resolved  that  John  Bont  be  discharged  from  Confinement  on 
his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good  Behaviour 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  573 


doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Corn-  1780 
missioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for  and 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain. 


John  Bont  of  Claverack  District  Weaver  in.  .  £100 
John   Decker   Robison  of  the  same  place 

Carpenter  his  Bail  in   £50 

Elisha  Talmidge  of  the  same  place  Black- 
smith also  his  Bail  in   £50 


Resolved  that  Peter  I.  Miller  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  for  and  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain. 

Peter  I.  Miller  of  Claverack  District  Wheel- 


wright in   £100 

John  Decker  Robison  of  the   same  place 

Carpenter  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Elisha  Talmidge  of  the  same  place  Black- 
smith also  his  Bail  in   £  50 


Resolved  that  Joel  Piatt  be  discharged  from  Confinement 
on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  [277] 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  for  and  during  the  continuance  of  the  Present  war 
[with]  Great  Britain. 

Joel  Pratt  of  New  Lebanon  in  the  Count} 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Ase  Stower  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Joseph  Meacham  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future 


574 


State  of  New  York 


Nq78°  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  an/ 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Joseph  Meacham  of  New  Lebanon  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Isaac  Garnsey  of  Half  Moon  District  Farmer 
Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Hezekiah  Hammond  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 
future  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain 

Hezekiah  Hammond  of  the  State  of  Masse- 
chusets  Bay  Farmer  in   £100 

Isaac  Garnsey  of  Half  Moon  District  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £  50 

Ase  Stower  of  New  Lebanon  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  also  his  his  Bail  in. . . .  £  50 

M-  Mills  wife  of  Abel  Mills  appeared  before  the  Board 
agreeable  to  order  and  was  examined  her  examination  is  as 
follows  (to  wit)    (see  Examination  on  File)  — 

[278]  A  Letter  from  Samuel  Ten  Broeck  Esq-  of  Living- 
ston's Manor  was  laid  before  the  Board  by  Harmanus  Rose 
Constable  with  an  Examination  respecting  Thomas  M?  Feal 
who  said  Harmanus  Rose  informed  us  he  had  apprehended 
and  had  in  his  Custody  and  the  said  Thomas  M^Feal  being 
Examined  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

Johannis  Shaver  Esq-  and  Cap-  John  Decker  Robison 
appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  us  that  Peter  Bean 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  575 


is  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  person  and  that  he  endeavours  N<J*8°7 
by  his  Conversation  to  intimidate  weak  &  ignorant  persons 
and  that  John  Bartle  is  also  a  dangerous  and  disaffected 
person  in  Consequence  of  which  Information 

Resolved  that  Major  Samuel  Ten  Broeck  of  Livingston's 
Manor  be  requested  to  have  the  said  Peter  Bean  and  John 
Bartle  apprehended  and  forthwith  sent  to  us. 

Adjourned. 

Met  Albany  18th  November  1780  „l78oQ 
„  J  1  Nov.  18. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         )       f  Mathew  Visscher 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  f      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Calvin  Harlow  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Calvin    Harlow  of  New   Lebanon    in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Joseph  Meacham  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

[279]  Resolved  that  Hans  Sneack  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain. 

Hans  Sneack  of  Claverack  District  Farmer  in .  £100 
John    Decker  Robison  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 


576 


State  of  New  Y ork 


Nov8i8  Resolved  that  John  Harvey  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain. 

John  Harvey  of  Claverack  District  Farmer  in  £100 
Jacob  F.  Shaver  of  Livingstons  Manor  Esq- 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  Beriah  Kelly  be  discharged  from  Confinement 
on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 
behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain. 

Beriah  Kelly  of  Norwich  in  the  State  of 
Connecticut  in   £100 

Ezra  Cleveland  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned. 

NoJ8°o       [280]  Met  Albany  20*h  November  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  n        .  n  . 

ir   1       ,r     ,  r      "1  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher      )  ( 

Resolved  That  Thomas  Ayres  be  discharged  from  confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 
behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereinto  [sic] 
required  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  577 


Thomas  Ay  res  of  New  Lebanon  in  the  County  1780 
of  Albany  Labourer  in   £100 

Peter  Ayres  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  having  from  sundry  Circumstances  the  greatest 
reason  to  think  that  the  Information  of  Abraham  Hoogteling 
was  entirely  false  and  as  several  persons  have  been  confined 
on  account  of  the  same  therefore  resolved  that  the  said 
persons  be  discharged  from  Confinement,  but  as  all  of  them 
have  from  the  Commencement  of  the  present  Contest  been 
disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  it  is  ordered  that  previous 
to  their  discharge  they  severally  enter  into  a  Recognizance 
for  their  good  Behaviour  doing  their  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  continuance  of  the 


present  war  with  Great  Britain. 

Johannis  I.  Witbeeck  of  Niscuthaw  Farmer  in  £100 
Cornelius  Van  Der  Zee  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 


Johannis  L.  Witbeeck  of  Acquatough  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

[281]  Isaac  Witbeeck  of  Cooksakie  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


Nicholas  Huyck  of  Acquatough  Farmer  in..  £100 
Cornelius  Huyck  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his  Bail 

in   £100 


John  Ver  Plank  of  Hacketock  Farmer  in.. .  £100 
Cornelius  Huyck  of  the  west  district  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck    Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 


578 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Hendrick  Huyck  of  the  west  District  of  the 

OV.  20. 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 
Hendrick  Van  Sante  of  Ni[s]cuthaw  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


David  Van  Dyck  of  Niscuthaw  Farmer  in.  .  £100 
Eli  Arnold  of  the  City  of  Albany  Cooper  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Wouter  Witbeeck  of  Manettenhook  Farmer 
in   £100 

Peter  W.  Hilton  of  the  City  of  Albany  Cooper 
his  Bail  in   £100 


joachim  Collier  of  Cooksakie  Farmer  in.  .  .  £100 
Isaac  Witbeeck  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Isaac  Huyck  of  Hacketock  Farmer  in  £100 

Isaac  Witbeck  of  Cooksakie  Farmer  his  Bail 

in   £100 

Cornelius  Huyck  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  Lowrence  Deal,  John  Garret  and  John 
Coenly  severally  enter  into  a  recognizance  for  their  future 
good  behaviour  doing  their  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  &  also  for  their  appearance  at  the  next 
Supreme  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New 
York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third  Tuesday  in 
January  next  (or  wheresoever  the  [282]  said  Court  shall 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  579 


then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  and  not  depart  the  „I78° 

Nov-  20- 

Court  without  Leave. 

Lowrance  Deal  of  Cooksakie  Farmer  in....  £100 
Cornelius  Conine  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

John  Garret  of  Cooksakie  District  Farmer 
in   £100 

Richard  Bronck  of  the  same  place  Esq?  his 
Bail  in   £100 

John  Coenly  of  Cooksakie  District  Farmer 
in  £100 

Cornelius  Conine  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Board  that  Simeon  Garret  who 
lives  upon  the  Farm  formerly  occupied  by  John  Waltymier 
has  frequent  Intercourse  with  the  said  Waltymier  and 
harbours  him  when  on  his  way  through  the  Country 
resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that  the 
said  Simeon  Garret  be  cited  to  appear  before  this  Board 
forthwith 


Met  Albany  2is^  November  1780  wov^i 


Adjourned 
Present 

lohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  p        •  «  • 

t       •  1   tt      ™  f      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 

Dr  George  Smith  appeared  before  the  Board  &  informed 
us  that  from  an  Expectation  of  going  to  Canada  he  has 
disposed  of  all  his  Effects  and  that  he  is  greatly  reduced  in 
his  Circumstances  and  finds  it  impossible  to  maintain  his 
family  in  this  City  and  being  desirous  of  removing  to  the 


58o 


State  of  New  York 


Nov8<2i  ^arm  at  Present  occupied  by  John  Jolley  situate  in  the  west 
District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  resolved  that  he 
have  Permission  granted  him  for  that  Purpose  on  his  enter- 
ing into  a  Recognizance  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits 
of  the  said  Farm  and  not  [283]  leaving  the  same  without 
Leave  previously  obtained  for  that  purpose  from  this  Board 
and  that  he  shall  not  during  his  residence  at  the  said  [farm] 
correspond  with  or  in  any  Manner  whatsoever  give  any 
Intelligence  to  the  Enemies  of  this  or  the  United  States  and 
for  his  good  Behaviour  during  the  said  time  and  for  his 
appearance  when  called  upon. 

George  Smith  of  the  City  of  Albany  Physi- 
cian in   £100 

Patrick  Smith  of  the  same  place  Merchant 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  William  Bartow,  Jacob  Halenbeeck,  Jun% 
Peter  Finehout,  Ebenezer  Stanton,  Nathan  Stanton,  Arnold 
Skoelfield,  Peter  Huyck,  and  William  Hoogteling,  be 
severally  discharged  from  Confinement  on  entering  into 
Recognizance  for  their  good  Behaviour  doing  their  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  called  upon  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

William  Bartow  of  Cooksakie  District  La- 
bourer in   £100 

Myndert  Van  Schaick  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Jacob    Halenbeeck    Jun^    of  Klinkenbergh 
Farmer  in   £100 

Samuel  Pruyn  of  the  City  of  Albany  Yeo- 
man his  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  581 


Peter  Finehout  of  Acquatough  Labourer  in. .  £100  J78o 

1  0  Nov.  21. 

Daniel  G.  Van  Antwerp  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 


Ebenezer    Stanton    of   Cooksakie  District 

Farmer  in   £100 

Daniel  G.  Van  Antwerp  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 


Nathan  Stanton  of  Cooksakie  District  Farmer 

in   £100 

Daniel  G.  Van  Antwerp  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

[284]  Arnold  Skolfield  of  the  west  District  of 

the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  in   £100 

Wilhelmas  Row  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Peter  Huyck  of  Auckquetuck  Farmer  in  .  .  .  £100 
Michael  Klink  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

William  Hoogteling  of  Niscuthaw  Farmer  in .  £100 
Michael  Klink  of  Auckquetough  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  Philip  Philips  be  discharged  on  his  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  continu- 


ance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 

Philip  Philips  of  the  Eas[t]  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Weaver  in   £100 

Thomas  Knowlton  of  the  same  placfe]  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned. 


582 


State  of  New  York 


1780  Met  Albany  22^  November  1780  — 

Nov.  22.  J  ' 

Present 

Teremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  (  c        ,  c  . 

•>  ,  ._  r  1  Samuel  Stringer 

John  M.  Beeckman  j  (.  b 

A  Certificate  was  laid  before  the  Board  signed  by  CoU 
Killian  Van  Rensselaer  and  sundry  other  Officers  certifying 
that  the  said  John  Low  who  is  at  present  in  Confinement  has 
ever  evinced  a  warm  Attachment  to  the  American  Cause  and 
has  been  ready  on  every  Occasion  to  do  his  duty  in  the  Militia 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  same  that  the  said  [285] 
John  Low  be  discharged  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
called  upon  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain. 

John  Low  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Yeoman  in   £100 

Nicholas  Low  of  the  same  place  Gentleman 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Whereas  James  Bramley  and  Peter  Livingstone  of  the 
Hellebergh  have  been  severally  cited  to  appear  before  this 
Board  and  refused  and  neglected  to  do  the  same  it  is  there- 
fore resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Cap* 
Jacob  Van  Aernam  authorizing  him  to  apprehend  the  said 
James  Bramley  and  Peter  Livingstone  and  forthwith  bring 
them  before  us  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  — 

Adjourned  — 

i78o  Met  Albany  23?  November  1780  — 

Nov.  23. 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman         )       \  c        •  «  • 

J  r        Samuel  Stringer 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  583 


Resolved  that  Johannis  Huyclc  be  discharged  from  Con-  NJ78° 
finement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future     °v*  2 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  [the]  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 


with  Great  Britain  — 

Johannis  Huyck  of  Acquatough  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

[286]  Peter  Van  Wie  of  the  West  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  Andries  Loucks  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  Frederick  Cranse  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  the  good  Behaviour  of  the  said  Andries  Loucks  &  for 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Frederick  Cranse  of  the  Hellebergh  Farmer 

as  Bail  for  Andries  Loucks  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Johan  Jost  Warner  be  discharged  on 
entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Johan  Jost  Warner  of  Schohary  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Labourer  in   £100 

Philippus  Warner  of  the  Bever  Dam  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Nicholas  Sea  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 


5^4 


State  of  New  York 


required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Nicholas  Sea  of  Schohary  Farmer  in   £100 

Philippus  Warner  of  the  Bever  Dam  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

A  Letter  from  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at 
Poughkeepsie  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  they  [287] 
inform  that  they  send  to  us  a  certain  John  Davis  of  Tryon 
County  whom  they  have  caused  to  be  apprehended  on  sus- 
picion of  his  having  stolen  two  Horses  — 

,  Resolved  that  the  said  John  Davis  be  committed  until 
an  inquiry  can  be  made  into  the  Crime  wherewith  he  stands 
Charged  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  24th  November  1780  — 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer      j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

John  Bartle  agreeable  to  an  order  of  this  Board  of  the  7- 
Instant  appeared  and  the  crime  as  alledged  against  him 
being  read  to  him  and  he  denying  the  same  resolved  that  the 
said  John  Bartle  have  Permission  granted  him  to  appear 
again  on  the  4-  day  of  December  next  and  bring  with  him 
such  Evidences  as  he  may  think  Proper  to  invalidate  the 
said  Charge 

Also  Resolved  that  Cap-  Robison  be  informed  of  the 
Proceedings  respecting  John  Bartle  and  that  he  be  requested 
also  to  attend  on  that  day  — 

Hugh  MfManus  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
that  agreeable  to  our  order  he  had  apprehended  John 


1780 
Nov.  24. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  585 


Doclcsteder  and  the  said  Docksteder  being  Examined  and  it  x78o 

.  .  Nov.  24. 

appearing  that  he  is  not  the  person  who  it  was  intended 

Should  be  apprehended  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  dis- 
charged — 

Resolved  that  Hendrick  Bonistel  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  [288]  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Hendrick    Bonistel   of  Claverack  District 

Labourer  in   £100 

John  Blunt  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  25-  November  1780  1780 
Present  Nov-  25- 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        r\  t?  j 
•L  .  >      <  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       j  ( 

Simeon  Garret  appeared  before  the  Board  this  day 
agreeable  to  our  order  and  being  Examined  as  to  his  Con- 
nection with  John  Waltymier  he  says  as  follows  (see  his 
Examination  on  file)  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Simeon  Garret  be  discharged  on 
his  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  for  his 
procuring  a  sufficient  Bail  by  the  2"?  day  of  December  next  — 

Simeon  Garret  of  Cooksakie  District  Farmer 
in   £100 


586 


State  of  New  York 


Nov3-2  James  Bramley  having  been  apprehended  by  Cap^  Jacob 
Van  Aernam  and  brought  before  the  Board  resolved  that  he 
be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  to  the  Goaler 
commanding  him  to  detain  and  keep  in  close  Confinement 
the  said  James  Bramley  until  discharged  by  an  order  of  this 
Board  — 

Adjourn[e]d 

NovS26.      I>89]        Met  Albany  26^  November  1780  — 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  T        •  1  17     r>  1 
J  .  >■      <  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Samuel  Stringer       )  I 

James  Hamilton  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  having  agreeable  to  directions  received  from  Captain 
Jacob  Van  Aernam  apprehended  James  Bramley  and  being 
on  his  way  to  this  City  with  said  Bramley  in  order  to  bring 
him  before  the  Board,  David  Gibson  did  assault  him  the 
said  James  Hamilton  and  endeavoured  to  rescue  the  said 
Bramley  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that  a 
warrant  be  made  out  for  the  immediate  apprehension  of  the 
said  David  Gibson  and  that  the  said  warrant  be  directed  to 
the  said  James  Hamilton  and  that  he  be  authorized  in  case 
any  Resistance  should  be  made  by  the  said  Gibson  or  any 
other  Person  to  call  to  his  assistance  such  a  Number  of  Per- 
sons as  he  may  think  proper  to  carry  the  above  warrant  into 
Execution  — 

Adjourned 

N*78°7  Met  Albany  27^  November  1780 

Present 

Mathew  Visscher  |  J  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
John  M.  Beeckman  j       (  Samuel  Stringer 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  587 


Tames  Bramley  who  was  on  the  2<T—  Instant  confined  was  _I"8° 
J  J  .  Nov.  27. 

brought  before  the  Board  and  examined   ordered  that  he  be 

recommitted  — 

David  Gibson  who  was  agreeable  to  a  warrant  issued 
Yesterday  apprehended  and  confined  was  also  brought 
before  the  Board  and  examined  and  it  appearing  from 
sundry  Circum-[29o]stances  that  the  said  David  Gibson  has 
been  uniformly  attached  to  the  American  Cause  and  has  on 
every  Occasion  done  his  duty  and  acknowledged  his  Error 
in  attempting  to  rescue  James  Bramley  therefore  resolved 
that  the  said  David  Gibson  be  discharged  and  cautioned 
against  such  conduct  in  future  — 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Peter  Waley 
of  the  Hellebergh  is  a  disaffected  Person  and  that  he  conceals 
himself  in  the  woods  to  Escape  doing  Militia  and  other  duty 
and  he  being  at  present  at  Home  —  resolved  that  a  warrant 
be  made  out  directed  to  Richard  Hilton  to  apprehend  the 
said  Peter  Waley  and  forthwith  bring  him  before  us  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  28th  November  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       {  c        ,  c  • 
i/r  T7-  C      )  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher       )  (. 

Richard  Hilton  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  agreeable  to  our  warrant  he  had  apprehended  Peter 
Waley  and  he  being  brought  before  us  and  examined  re- 
solved that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out 
for  him  — 

John  Ab:  Pearson  appeared  before  the  Board  for  the 
Purpose  of  entering  into  a  Recognizance  as  Bail  for  Simeon 
Garret  resolved  that  he  enter  into  the  same  for  the  good 
Behaviour  of  the  said  Simeon  Garret  and  for  his  doing  his 


1780 

Nov.  28. 


588 


State  of  New  York 


Nov8°8  ^uty  an<^  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

[291]  John  Ab.  Pearson  of  Niscuthaw  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  as  Bail  for 
Simeon  Garret  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

NJ*8°Q  Met  Albany  29th  November  1780  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ]      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer       j       (  Mathew  Visscher 

Resolved  that  Thomas  Purchase  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Thomas  Purchase  of  New-town  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Jacob  Ostrander  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Anna  Proper  of  Livingston's  Manor  having  been  directed 
by  Col':  Peter  Livingston  to  appear  before  this  Board  to  be 
examined  with  Respect  to  the  Conduct  of  sundry  disaffected 
persons  of  Livingston's  Manor  appeared  and  was  Examined 
which  Examination  is  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examina- 
tion on  File) 

A  Letter  from  CoV-  Peter  Livingston  respecting  Anna 
Proper  was  laid  before  the  Board  and  the  same  being  read 
was  ordered  to  be  filed  — 

A  Letter  from  Col!  Henry  J.  Van  Rensselaer  dated  the 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  589 


16^  Instant  respecting  John  Harvey  a  Prisoner  now  in  NI78° 
Confinement  was  laid  before  the  Board  and  the  same  being  29 
[292]  read  was  ordered  to  be  filed  — 

A  Letter  from  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies at  Poughkeepsie  dated  the  24-  Instant  respecting 
Ann  Standerren  was  also  laid  before  the  Board  and  the  same 
being  read  was  ordered  to  be  filed  — 

Resolved  that  Jacob  I.  Truax  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  and  also  for  his  appearance  at  the  next  Supream 
Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York 
at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City  of  Albany  on  the  third  Tuesday 
in  January  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  then 
be  held  in  the  State  Aforesaid)  and  not  depart  the  Court 
without  Leave  — 

Jacob  I.  Truax  of  the  City  of  Albany  Inn- 
keeper in   £100 

Isaac  I.  Truax  of  the  County  of  Albany  Inn- 
keeper his  Bail  in   £50 

John  W.  Truax  of  D°.  . .  .D°.  .  .  .D°.  .  .  .in.  .  £50 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  30-  November  1780 —  I7fo 
Present  W°V'  3°' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  j 
£  _  .  >      <  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  [ 

The  Board  proceeded  to  the  Consideration  of  the  Charge 
alledged  against  Robert  Caldwell  whereupon  it  is  resolved 
that  he  be  discharged  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance 


State  of  New  York. 


No'80  Wl*h  a  su^c'ent  surety  f°r  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
[293]  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Robert  Caldwell   of  Schacktikook   in  the 

County  of  Albany  Weaver  in   £100 

Robert  Todd  of  the  Half  Moon  District  in 

the  County  of  Albany  Weaver  his  Bail  in . .  £  50 

Dirck  Scouting  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

also  his  Bail  in   £50 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  2"?  December  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  ,»   ,       xr.  , 

.  f      1  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

A  Letter  from  Ebenezer  Russell  Esq-dated  White  Creek 
the  18—  November  last  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein 
he  sets  forth  the  distressed  Situation  of  the  Family  of  Samuel 
Burns  now  a  Prisoner  confined  in  the  Goal  in  this  City  and 
requesting  that  the  said  Burns  may  be  admitted  to  Bail  if 
is  can  be  done  consistently  with  the  safety  of  the  State 
which  Letter  being  read  ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  and 
that  the  Consideration  thereof  be  postponed  till  a  future  Day  — 
A  Letter  from  Major  Richard  Esselstyne  of  Claverack 
was  also  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  requests  that 
Henry  Hoogteling  an  Inhabitant  of  Claverack  District  may 
be  liberated  from  Confinement  and  offering  to  become 
surety  for  the  said  Hoogteling  which  Letter  being  read 
ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  and  taken  into  Consideration 
on  Monday  next  — 

Adjourned  — 


1780 
Dec.  2. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  591 


[294]        Met  Albany  4^  December  1780  —  D»78o 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  A ,   .       T7.  , 
•L         .  _   .  f      1  Mathew  Visscher 

Samue!  btringer        )  ( 

It  having  been  suggested  to  the  Board  that  William  Tyler 
is  gone  to  Canada  and  has  Joined  the  enemy  and  Amos 
Lucas  having  became  [sic]  surety  for  the -Appearance  of  the 
said  William  Tyler  when  called  upon  resolved  in  Conse- 
quence of  the  said  Information  that  an  order  be  made 
out  and  sent  to  the  said  Amos  Lucas  forthwith  to  deliver 
him  up  to  this  Board  or  to  pay  the  Recognizance 
Money  — 

The  Board  having  been  informed  that  from  the  Asser- 
tions of  some  Persons  at  present  with  the  Enemy  there  is 
good  Reason  to  suppose  that  William  Laird  at  present  resid- 
ing at  Johnstown  who  some  time  ago  entered  into  a  Recog- 
nizance before  us  to  appear  when  called  upon  is  at  present 
enlisting  Men  for  the  service  of  the  enemy  with  whom  he 
intends  to  join  them  as  soon  as  they  make  a  descent  into  the 
Country  —  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information 
that  the  said  William  Laird  be  cited  to  appear  forthwith 
before  this  Board  &  that  the  Citation  for  the  said  Laird  be 
inclosed  in  a  Letter  to  Zepheniah  Batchelar  Esq-  and  that 
he  be  requested  to  have  the  same  served  — 

The  Board  then  proceeded  to  the  Consideration  of  the 
Letter  of  Major  Esselstyne  delivered  to  this  Board  on  the 
2-  Instant  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Letter  that 
Henry  Hoogteling  be  discharged  from  Confinement  on  his 
entering  into  a  Bond  conditioned  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  [295]  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 


592 


State  of  New  York 


)ec804     during  tne  Continuance  of  the  Present  War  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Henry  Hoogteling  of  Claverack  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Resolved  that  the  above  mentioned  Bond  be  transmitted 
to  Major  Esselstyne  in  order  that  he  may  sign  the  same  as 
Surety  for  Henry  Hoogteling. 

Thomas  Yarns  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  exam- 
ined and  then  ordered  to  be  Recommitted  — 

Resolved  upon  the  Application  of  William  Lees,  That  Ann 
Standerren  (who  was  some  time  ago  sent  to  Poughkeepsie 
on  Account  of  her  Influence  in  bringing  over  Persons  to  the 
Persuasion  professed  by  the  People  called  Shaking  Quakers 
the  said  Persuasion  having  a  Tendency  to  alienate  the 
minds  of  the  People  from  their  Allegiance  to  the  State  by 
inculcating  an  Opinion  of  the  Unlawfulness  of  taking  up 
Arms  in  defence  of  the  American  Cause)  and  it  appearing 
that  many  of  the  Persons  of  the  said  Persuasion  have  been 
reformed  and  that  no  further  Evil  is  to  be  apprehended 
from  her  Influence  or  Example  therefore  resolved  that  the 
said  Ann  Standerren  have  Permission  to  return  to  Nistageune 
on  the  said  William  Lees  and  James  Whitakre  entering  into 
a  Bond  conditioned  for  the  said  Ann  Standerren's  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  for  her  good  Behaviour  and  not 
saying  or  consenting  to  any  Matters  or  Things  inconsistant 
with  the  Peace  and  safety  of  this  and  the  United  States 

William  Lees  of  Nistageuna  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Blacksmith  as  Bail  for  Ann 
Standerren  in   £100 

James  Whitacre  of  the  same  place  Yeoman 

also  her  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  593 


[296]  Met  Albany  5^  December  1780  ^780 

Present 

John  M  Beeckman  I      |  Isaac  Q  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 

Nicholas  Sea  appearing  before  the  Board  requests  that 
Christian  Weaver  may  be  accepted  as  his  Surety  instead  of 
Philip  Warner  whereupon  resolved  that  the  said  Christian 
Weaver  be  accepted  accordingly  and  that  he  enter  into  a 
Recognizance  for  the  good  Behaviour  of  the  said  Nicholas 
Sea  and  for  his  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 

Christian  Weaver  of  Schohary  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  as  Bail  for  Nicholas 
Sea  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  6-1  December  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      J  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        j       {  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

The  Board  conceiving  it  necessary  that  Jacob  I.  Truax 
of  this  City  should  be  prosecuted  agreeable  to  Law  for  his 
Conduct  in  adhering  to  the  Enemy  and  as  the  Witnesses 
against  him  who  are  John  Cuppernull  and  John  I.  Vrooman 
of  Tryon  County  have  neglected  to  attend  the  Supreme 
Court  altho  they  have  been  requested  so  to  do  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Zepheniah 
Batchelar  Esqr-  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  the  County  of  [297] 
Tryon  requesting  him  to  cite  the  said  John  Cuppernull  and 
John  I.  Vrooman  before  him  and  take  their  Recognizance 


1780 

Dec.  6. 


594 


State  of  New  York 


1780  for  their  Appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  to  be  held 
Dec.  6.  .  r 

on  the  third  Tuesday  in  January  next  to  give  Evidence 

against  the  said  Jacob  I.  Truax 

Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Cor:  Van  Schonhoven 
of  the  Half  Moon  requesting  him  to  order  Alexander  Bryant 
to  appear  before  this  Board  for  the  Purpose  of  being  exam- 
ined as  to  sundry  Transactions  of  the  Disaffected  in  Half 
Moon  District  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  7^  December  1780 

Dec-  7-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman 
Samuel  Stringer 

An  Anonimous  Letter  directed  to  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  was  laid  before  the  Board  setting  forth  that 
John  Cobham  is  a  Dangerous  Person  and  that  his  going  to 
the  Northward  gives  great  Reason  to  suspect  that  he  Conveys 
Intelligence  to  the  Enemy  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the 
above  Letter  that  the  said  John  Cobham  be  ordered  on  no 
Pretence  whatever  to  leave  this  City  unless  he  shall  pre- 
viously obtain  Permission  from  this  Board  for  that  Purpose  — 
Resolved  that  Peter  Werley  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for  and 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with  Great  Britain 
Peter  Werley  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

[298]  William   Monk  of  the  same  Place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Andries  Ward  of  the  same  Place 

Farmer  also  his  Bail  in   £100 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  595 


It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  James  Van  Driesen  qJ^° 
that  Archibald  M^Neal  of  the  Scotch  Patent  and  his  son 
Alec  M'Neal  have  aided  and  assisted  the  Party  (with  which 
he  the  said  Van  Driesen  was  going  to  the  Enemy)  in  making 
their  Escape  to  Canada  resolved  in  Consequence  thereof 
that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the  immediate  apprehension 
of  the  said  Archibald  McNeil  and  Alec  M-  Neal  and  that 
the  same  be  inclosed  in  a  Letter  to  General  Schuyler  at 
Saragtoga  and  that  he  be  requested  to  have  it  served  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  11^  December  1781  [sic  for  1780] —  1780 

Dec.  11. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        t~\  t-  j 
f,  .  >      <  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

John  Hoogteling  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  his 
Examination  taken  and  it  appearing  that  the  Charges  as 
alledged  against  the  said  John  Hoogteling  are  not  of  suffi- 
cient weight  to  render  his  Confinement  any  longer  necessary 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 

James  Oynes  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  his 
Examination  taken    ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

James  Brisbin  being  also  ordered  to  be  brought  before 
the  Board  was  examined    ordered  that  he  be  Recommitted — 

William  Griffen  being  also  brought  before  the  Board  was 
examined    ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

[299]  Met  Albany  12-  December  1780  DI78° 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  AT   ,  , 

.  f      i  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 


596 


State  of  New  York 


1780        a  Letter  from  Ebenezer  Clark  and  Alexander  Ms  Nit 

L>ec.  12. 

Esq-  two  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  for  the 
County  of  Charlotte  dated  New  Perth  2-  Instant  was  laid 
before  the  Board  setting  forth  that  they  inclose  a  Petition 
signed  by  sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Kingsbury  in  Favour 
of  Thomas  Yarns,  William  Griffin  and  William  Bell  who 
are  at  present  in  Confinement  resolved  that  the  said  Peti- 
tion be  taken  into  Consideration  at  some  future  Day  — 

A  Letter  from  Dirck  Swart  Esq-  directed  to  this  Board 
and  dated  12—  November  last  was  laid  before  us  by  M[ 
Visscher  wherein  he  informs  us  that  a  Petition  has  lately 
been  set  on  Foot  and  signed  by  a  Number  of  Persons  in 
Favour  of  Jotham  Bemus  who  is  at  Present  confined  in 
Goal  and  requesting  when  the  said  Petition  is  laid  before 
the  Board  to  be  informed  of  it  as  he  is  desirous  of  disproving 
a  Part  at  least  of  the  said  Petition  ordered  that  the  said 
Letter  be  filed. 

A  Letter  from  Lieutenant  Col-  Weisenfelt  dated  at  Fort 
Schuyler  inclosing  a  Copy  of  an  Examination  of  an  Indian 
who  came  from  the  enemy  was  laid  before  the  Board  and  as 
the  said  Examination  contains  Information  which  should  be 
communicated  to  General  Clinton  therefore  resolved  that 
Mr  Beeckman  wait  upon  him  with  the  same  — 

Adjourned  — 
1780        [300]  Met  Albany  13-  December  1780 

Dec.  13* 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      f  ^  D  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )  (. 

The  Board  having  taken  into  Consideration  the  Petition 
presented  on  the  12-  Instant  in  Favour  of  William  GrifFen 
and  others  resolved  in  Consequence  thereof  that  the  said 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  597 


William  Griffen  be  liberated  from  Confinement  on  entering  *78° 

Dec.  13. 

into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continu- 
ance of  the  present  war  [with]  Great  Britain  — 

William  Griifen  of  the  County  of  Charlotte 

Farmer  in   £100 

William  High  of  the  same  Place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Joseph  Hawkins  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
Permission  to  go  to  Charlotte  County  and  remove  from  thence 
his  Family  and  Effects  and  the  same  being  agreed  to  by  his 
Bail  William  Shepherd  resolved  that  he  have  Permission 
granted  him  accordingly  — 

The  Board  being  desirous  of  reexamining  Alexander 
Bryant  and  he  being  ordered  to  appear  and  now  attending 
agreeable  to  our  Order    resolved  that  he  be  examined  — 

The  said  Alexander  Bryant  being  examined  and  his  Ex- 
amination being  reduced  to  writing  is  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

[301]         Met  Albany  14I11  December  1780  1780 

Dec.  14. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  A/T    ,       „.  , 
■L        ,  _   .  >      <  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Resolved  that  James  Bramley  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient 
surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
Present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 


598 


State  of  New  York. 


James  Bramley  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Innkeeper  in  £100 

David  Kittle  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

A  Petition  signed  by  a  Number  of  the  well  affected  In- 
habitants of  Saragtoga  District  was  laid  before  the  Board 
setting  forth  that  Jotham  Bemus  of  Stillwater  since  his 
liberation  from  Confinement  has  acted  in  every  Respect  as  a 
friend  to  the  American  Cause  that  he  has  chearfully  con- 
tributed all  his  Power  towards  supplying  the  Army  and  has 
in  every  Respect  manifested  a  Disposition  to  support  the 
Independance  of  the  United  States  which  said  Petition 
being  read  ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  — 

Ordered  that  the  Secretary  inform  Dirck  Swart  Esq- 
that  the  above  Petition  was  presented  to  this  Board  and 
requesting  him  as  soon  as  possible  to  come  down  for  the 
Purpose  mentioned  in  his  Letter  of  the  12^  Instant  — 

Adjourned  — 

DI78o6      [3021  Met  Albany  i6l-  December  1780 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T       •  .  \r     r>  1 
J  V      <  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 

Resolved  that  William  Vrooman  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  whenever  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 


1780 
Dec.  14. 


William   Vrooman    of   Saragtoga  District 

Farmer  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  599 


Teremiah  Van  Rensselaer  Esq-  ifnlformed  the  Board  that  *?8° 
■»  Dec.  10. 

he  had  received  of  Gerard  Bancker  Esq-  Treasurer  of  this 
State  the  sum  of  One  hundred  Dollars  of  the  New  Emission 
for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  Necessary  Expenditures 
of  this  Board  — 

Resolved  that  out  of  the  above  money  the  Secretary  pay 
to  Stephen  Bell  £10  u  5  on  Account 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany        December  1780  1780 

y\  Dec*  iot 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (u   ,      T7.  , 

J  r  "i  Mathevv  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer        )  { 

Resolved  that  Henry  Smith  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
ot  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  whenever  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain 

[303]  Henry  Smith  of  the  Manor  of  Liv- 
ingston Farmer  in   £100 

Teunis  Smith  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  21^  December  1780  r»I78° 

t-v  J-/6C.  2I# 

rresent 

Samuel  Stringer         )  (  ,r   ,       „.  . 

y  *     » »   t»     1         r  i  Mathevv  Visscher 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  ( 

A  Letter  from  Major  Rosekrans  at  Saragtoga  was  laid 
before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs  that  he  sends  to  us 
under  Guard  Archibald  M":Neal  of  the  Scotch  Patent  who 


6oo 


State  of  New  York 


Dec^i  agreeable  to  our  Request  he  had  caused  to  be  apprehended, 
and  the  said  Archibald  M;Neal  being  brought  before  the 
Board  &  examined  and  it  appearing  from  his  Examination 
that  he  is  guilty  of  the  Crime  wherewith  he  stands  charged 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  22^  December  1780 

Dec.  22.  -pw  J  ' 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer        j       {  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

James  Brisben  requesting  to  be  brought  before  the  Board 
and  being  brought  accordingly  requested  that  he  might  be 
liberated  from  Confinement  on  his  procuring  sufficient  Bail 
for  his  good  Behaviour  in  future  Resolved  on  Consideration 
of  the  above  Request  that  he  be  informed  that  the  Board 
will  liberate  him  on  his  procuring  a  surety  for  his  remaining 
within  the  Limits  of  the  City  of  Albany  until  discharged 
by  this  Board  — 

[304]  Joseph  Carr  also  requesting  to  be  liberated  from 
Confinement  resolved  that  he  be  informed  that  the  Board 
will  liberate  him  on  his  entering  into  a  similar  Recognizance 
with  the  above  mentioned  James  Brisben  — 

Jotham  Bemus  at  present  in  Confinement  requesting  of  the 
Board  to  be  admitted  to  the  Liberty  of  the  Goal  resolved 
that  it  be  granted  him  on  his  procuring  a  sufficient  Bail 
for  his  remaining  a  true  and  faithfull  Prisoner  in  the  City 
Hall  of  the  said  City  — 

William  McLaughlin  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Innkeeper  as  Bail  for  Jotham  Bemus  in..  £100 

The  Board  being  informed  that  John  Cobham,  John  Stiles 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies     60 1 


and  the  Man  living  at  a  Place  called  the  Half  way  House  *78o 

Dec.  22. 

in  Jessup's  Patent  are  concerned  in  forwarding  Intelligence 
to  Canada  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information 
that  Coll  Gansevoort  be  requested  to  have  them  apprehended 
&  forthwith  sent  to  us  — 

A  Letter  from  Col1.  Peter  R.  Livingston  was  laid  before 
the  Board  inclosing  an  examination  of  Jacob  Kline  of  the 
Manor  of  Livingston's  from  which  Examination  it  appears 
that  Wilhelmas  Turner,  Coenradt  Turner,  and  James  Turner 
being  disaffected  Persons  and  intending  to  create  Confusion 
and  Disturbance  so  as  to  embarrass  the  Government  of  this 
State  have  opposed  the  said  Jacob  Kline  in  collecting  the 
Taxes  assessed  on  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  and  are 
daily  by  every  means  in  their  Power  endeavouring  to  disturb 
the  Publick  Peace   ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  — 

Adjourned  — 

[305]        Met  Albany  2p  December  1780 —  1780 

Dec.  23. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer       j       (  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

A  Letter  from  Lieui  Col-  Henry  J.  Van  Rensselaer  dated 
at  Claverack  was  laid  before  the  Board  in  which  Letter  he 
informs  that  Thomas  Whiting  at  present  in  Confinement  has 
always  sustained  the  Character  of  a  harmless  inoffensive 
Man  and  that  he  does  not  conceive  that  his  being  liberated 
from  Confinement  will  any  way  endanger  the  Safety  of  the 
State  —  which  Letter  being  taken  into  Consideration 

Thereupon  resolved  that  the  said  Thomas  Whiting  be  dis- 
charged on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  [with]  Great  Britain  — 


602 


State  of  New  York 


Dec  8°3  Thomas    Whiting     of    Claverack  District 

Labourer  in   £50 

A  Letter  from  Major  Esselstyne  was  laid  before  the  Board 
wherein  he  informs  that  he  has  at  present  in  his  Possession 
the  Arms  and  Ammunition  belonging  to  those  Persons  who 
have  been  apprehended  on  the  Information  of  Abraham 
Hoogteling  &  the  said  Information  appearing  to  be  altogether 
false  therefore  resolved  that  Major  Esselstyne  be  ordered  to 
deliver  up  the  said  Arms  and  Ammunition  to  the  Persons 
respectively  from  whom  they  have  been  taken  — 

Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Brigadier  General 
Rensselaer  to  request  him  to  transmit  to  this  Board  a  List 
of  such  Persons  of  his  Brigade  who  have  been  Delinquent  in 
doing  Militia  [306]  Duty  in  order  that  such  of  them  who  have 
entered  into  Recognizance  before  this  Board  may  be  prose- 
cuted upon  the  same 

Resolved  that  Alexander  M^Key  be  ordered  to  deliver  up 
to  this  Board  on  or  before  the  8th  day  of  January  next  Hugh 
Rose,  Alexander  Carsan  and  Walter  Trumble  for  whose 
appearance  and  good  Behaviour  he  has  become  Surety  — 

Resolved  that  James  Beatty  be  ordered  to  deliver  up  to 
this  Board  on  or  before  the  8-h  day  of  January  next  John 
Parks  for  whose  Appearance  before  us  when  called  upon  he 
became  Surety  — 

William  McLaughlin  who  Yesterday  became  surety  for 
Jotham  Bemus's  remaining  a  true  and  faithfull  Prisoner 
within  the  City  Hall  of  this  City  appeared  before  the  Board  & 
informed  that  he  was  unwilling  any  longer  to  remain  Bail  for 
the  said  Jotham  Bemus  and  John  Horn  of  the  Manor  of 
Rensselaerwyck  offering  to  become  surety  for  the  said 
Jotham  Bemus  resolved  that  the  said  John  Horn  accord- 
ingly enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  the  said  Jotham  Bemus's 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  603 


remaining  a  Prisoner  within  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  and  r7So 
6  .  /,.  3  Dsc.  2, 

for  his  good  Behaviour  during  that  i  ime  — 

John  Horn  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 

Butcher  as  Bail  for  Jotham  Bemus  in .  . .  .  £100 
Jacob  Truax  of  this  City  having  forfeited  his  Recognizance 
appeared  this  day  and  paid  the  sum  of  Two  hundred  and 
forty  four  Dollars  of  the  Money  emitted  pursuant  to  a  Reso- 
lution of  Congress  of  the  18-  of  March  last  Resolved  that 
the  same  be  delivered  over  into  the  Hands  of  the  Secretary  to 
be  made  use  of  in  defraying  the  Expenditures  of  this  Board  — 
[307]  Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  application  of 
Archibald  McNeil  and  Ezekiel  Ensign  that  they  be  severally 
liberated  from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  their  remaining  within  the  following  Limits  (to  wit) 
the  House  and  Yard  of  Patrick  Smith  situate  in  the  first 
ward  of  the  City  of  Albany  and  that  they  do  not  hold  any 
Correspondence  either  by  word  or  deed  upon  Political  matters 
with  any  Person  or  Persons  which  may  in  any  Manner  tend 
to  be  prejudicial  to  the  Measures  pursued  or  which  may  be 
pursued  by  the  United  States  of  America  or  either  of  them  for 
the  Maintainance  of  Liberty  &  Independance  of  the  said 
United  States  and  that  they  shall  appear  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  appointed  for  detecting  and  defeating  all 
Conspiracies  that  may  be  formed  in  this  State  against  the 
Liberties  of  America  whenever  they  shall  be  thereunto 
required  and  that  they  shall  remain  under  these  Restrictions 
untill  discharged  or  otherwise  ordered  — 

Archibald  M-.Niel  of  Saragtoga  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Merchant  in   £500 

Robert  M^.Clallen  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Merchant  also  his  Bail  in   £250 

Thomas  Shipboy  of  the  same  place  Merchant 

also  his  Bail  in   £250 


604 


State  of  New  York 


D„I78°  Ezekiel  Ensign  of  Saragtoga  Innkeeper  in.  .  .  £500 

John  RofF  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 

Merchant  his  Bail  in   £250 

James  Caldwell  of  the  City  of  Albany  Mer- 
chant also  his  Bail  in   £250 

Captain  Cline  of  Livingston's  Manor  appearing  before 
[308]  the  Board  informed  us  that  agreeable  to  orders  re- 
ceived from  Col-  Peter  Livingston  he  had  apprehended 
Wilhelmas  Turner,  James  Turner  and  Coenradt  Turner 
resolved  that  the  Charges  as  alledged  against  them  be 
taken  into  Consideration  until  Monday  Morning  next  and 
that  the  said  Wilhelmas  Turner,  James  Turner  and  Coen- 
radt Turner  enter  into  a  Recognizance  each  of  them  to 
remain  within  the  Limits  of  this  City  and  to  appear  before 
this  Board  on  Monday  the  25—  day  of  December  Instant  at 
ten  of  the  Clock  in  the  Forenoon  and  in  the  mean  time  to 
be  of  the  good  Behaviour  — 

Wilhelmas  Turner  of  Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  in   £100 

James  Turner      of  D°.  .  .  .D°  in   £100 

Coenradt  Turner  of  D°.  .  .  .D°  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

^780  Met  Albany  25^  December  1780 

Present 

Samuel  Stringer   )       (  Jonn  M.  Beeckman 
Mathew  Visscher  j      1  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Resolved  that  John  Stalker  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  605 


John  Stalker  of  Claverack  District  Labourer 

in   £100 

Ambrose  Stalker  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  taking  into  Consideration  the  Charges  as 
alledged  against  Wilhelmas  Turner,  James  Turner  &  Coen- 
radt  Turner  and  the[y]  appearing  this  Day  agreeable  to  the 
[309]  Tenor  of  the  Recognizance  entered  into  by  them  on 
the  23-  Instant  resolved  that  they  have  Permission  to  re- 
turn Home  on  their  severally  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  their  good  Behaviour  doing  their  Duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for  their  appear- 
ance at  the  next  supreme  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held 
for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on 
the  third  Tuesday  in  January  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said 
Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  state  aforesaid)  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Wilhelmas  Turner  of  the  Manor  of  Living- 


ston Farmer  in   £100 

Coenradt  Cline  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


James  Turner  of  the  Manor  of  Livingston 

Farmer  in   £100 

Coenradt  Cline  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Coenradt  Turner  of  the  Manor  of  Living- 
ston Farmer  in   £100 

Coenradt  Cline  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in     £100 


1780 
Dec.  25. 


6o6 


State  of  New  York 


Dec78  25  Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Peter  Livingston  Esql 
to  request  him  to  bind  over  Johannis  Van  Deusen  and 
Wheater  Hicks  to  appear  at  the  next  Supreme  Court  as 
Witnesses  against  the  aforementioned  Turners  and  also 
that  he  bind  over  all  such  Persons  as  are  able  to  prove  the 
Charges  alledged  against  them  —  And  that  he  also  be 
desired  to  have  a  certain  John  Moore  who  is  at  present  at 
Livingston's  Manor  apprehend[ed]  and  forthwith  sent  to  us  — 
The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Peter  Bean 
of  Livingston's  Manor  has  lately  declared  himself  as  an 
Enemy  to  the  American  Cause  and  dissuaded  Persons  from 
[310]  enlisting  in  the  Continental  Service  and  Richard 
Warn  of  the  same  place  being  a  disaffected  and  dangerous 
Person  — 

Resolved  therefore  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed 
to  Cap?  Coenradt  Cline  forthwith  to  apprehend  and  bring 
before  us  the  said  Peter  Bean  &  Richard  Warn  — 

Adjourned  — 

1780  Met  Albany  27-  December  1780 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       \  c        ,  c  . 
J  >      <  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher       )  ( 

The  Board  being  informed  that  Adam  Killmer  who  is  at 
present  Confined  in  Goal  is  entirely  destitute  of  Provisions 
and  other  Necessaries  and  not  having  it  in  his  Power  to  pro- 
cure any  on  Account  of  his  Poverty  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  liberated  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  with  a  Sufficient 
Surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appear- 
ing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
whenever  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 


Dec.  27. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  607 


present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for  his  Appearance  Dexc78°7 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the 
State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  January  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court 
shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  and  not  to  depart 


the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Adam  Killmer  of  Livingston's  Manor  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Blacksmith  in   £100 

Gideon  Wolcot  of  the  same  place  Blacksmith 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

[311]  Met  Albany  28^  December  1780  1780 

Dec.  28. 

Present 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  |      j  John  M.  Beeckman 


Samuel  Stringer  j       (  Mathew  Visscher 

James  Brisben  having  made  Application  to  the  Board  to 
be  released  from  Confinement  and  his  request  being  taken 
into  Consideration  thereupon  resolved  that  the  said  James 
Brisben  be  liberated  from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a 
Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  and  Appearance  be- 
fore any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
called  upon  and  also  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits 
of  this  City  and  not  departing  the  same  without  Leave  ob- 
tained for  that  Purpose  from  any  three  of  the  said  Commis- 
sioners or  unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  Duty  — 

James  Brisben  of  Saragtoga  District  Farmer 


in   £100 

Peter  Scharp  of  the  City  of  Albany  Carpenter 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


6o8 


State  of  New  York 


D*c78°9  Met  Albany  29^  December  1780 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ^  f  T        ^   „  , 
z,        ,  o   •  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        >  •<  T        .  ,  T7      ~  , 

.      T7.     ,         I  /  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Mathew  Visscher      ;  (. 

Joseph  Carr  of  Stillwater  having  petitioned  the  Board  to 
be  released  from  Confinement  and  the  Prayer  of  the  said 
Petition  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  there- 
upon that  he  be  discharged  from  Confinement  on  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appear- 
ance before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspira- 
cies and  for  his  remaining  [312]  within  the  Limits  of  the  City 
of  Albany  and  not  departing  the  same  unless  he  shall  have 
leave  previously  obtained  from  any  three  of  the  said  Com- 
missioners or  unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  duty  — 

Joseph  Carr  of  Stillwater  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Alexander  Baldwin  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Henry  Tinkey  be  also  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Commission- 
ers for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  and  also  for  his 
remaining  within  the  Limits  of  this  City  and  not  departing 
the  same  without  Leave  previously  obtained  for  that  Purpose 
from  any  three  of  the  said  Commissioners  or  unless  it  be  to 
do  Militia  Duty  — 

Henry  Tinkey  of  the  Scotch  Patent  in  the 
County  of  Charlotte  Farmer  in   £100 

Albert  Van  Derwerken  of  Saragtoga  in  the 

County  of  Albany  his  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  609 


On  Application  of  Jotham  Bemus  resolved  that  he  also  D*78°g 
be  liberated  from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance conditioned  for  his  good  Behaviour  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  and  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the 
City  of  Albany  and  that  Part  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaer- 
wyck  which  lies  to  the  South  of  the  North  end  of  Steenbergh 
and  not  further  East  and  West  in  the  last  mentioned  [313] 
Place  than  the  River  to  the  East  and  the  Foot  of  the  Hill 
to  the  West  &  not  departing  the  said  Limits  and  Bounds 
unless  with  Leave  previously  obtained  for  that  Purpose  from 
any  three  of  the  said  Commissioners  or  when  called  upon  to 
do  Militia  Duty  — 

Jotham  Bemus  of  Still  Water  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Reuben  Wright  of  the  same  Place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Job  Wright  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  2n-^  January  1781  —  »78r 
Present  Jan- 2' 

Teremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       {  c        .  a  . 

i-   .       ,T.  f      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher  )  (. 

A  Letter  from  George  White  Esq-  dated  the  Ist  Instant  was 
laid  before  the  Board  inclosing  an  Examination  of  Bernard 
Carpenter  from  which  said  Examination  it  appears  that 
Abner  Darling  of  Pitts  Town  is  a  dangerous  and  disaffected 
Person  for  which  Reason  the  said  George  White  Esq-  having 
had  him  apprehended  and  sent  to  us,  and  that  the  said  Abner 
Darling  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined 


6io 


State  of  New  York 


Jan82  res°lved  that  the  said  Abner  Darling  be  permitted  to  return 
Home  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and 
remaining  within  the  Limits  of  Pitts  Town  &  not  departing 
the  same  without  Leave  obtained  from  any  three  of  the  said 
Commissioners  or  unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  Duty  — 

Abner  Darling  of  Pitts  Town  Farmer  in   £100 

Moses  James  of  King's  District  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

[314]  Resolved  that  George  Hicks  be  discharged  on  enrer- 
ing  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his 
Duty  &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  whenever  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  remaining 
within  the  Limits  of  King's  District  and  not  departing  the 
same  without  leave  obtained  from  any  three  of  the  said  Com- 


missioners or  unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  duty  — 

George  Hicks  of  New-town  Farmer  in   £100 

John  Herrington  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his  Bail 

in   £50 

Jabez  Landers  of  the  same  Place  also  his  Bail 
in   £50 


A  Petition  of  Archibald  M^Neal  and  Ezekiel  Ensign  was 
presented  to  the  Board  praying  for  Permission  to  go  to  their 
Families  at  Saragtoga  resolved  on  taking  the  Prayer  of  the 
said  Petition  into  Consideration  that  they  be  informed  that 
the  Board  cannot  grant  their  Request. 

Adjourned 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  611 


Met  Albany  3^  January  1 781  1781 
Present  ^dn'  3' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        IA  ^  , 
^        1  o  •  r     1  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer       )  1 

A  Letter  from  Alexander  Webster  and  Ebenezer  Clark 
EsqH:  of  Charlotte  County  was  laid  before  the  Board  in  which 
they  request  that  James  Gillis  who  is  at  present  in  Confine- 
ment may  be  liberated  on  Bail  as  the  said  Gillis  has  always 
behaved  himself  in  an  Inoffensive  Manner  and  the  same 
being  taken  into  Consideration  Resolved  that  the  Board 
cannot  [315]  at  this  Time  liberate  him  — 

Application  being  also  made  by  Archibald  M^Neal  of  the 
Scotch  Patent  to  be  admitted  to  Bail  resolved  that  he  be 
informed  that  the  Board  cannot  at  this  Time  liberate  him  — 

Samuel  Stringer  Esql  informed  the  Board  that  he  had 
received  information  that  Peter  Ball  of  the  Bever  Dam  is  at 
present  at  and  about  his  Home  and  that  he  is  come  into  the 
Country  for  the  Purpose  of  Enlisting  Men  for  the  Enemy 
resolved  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  Samuel  Stringer 
to  obtain  the  fullest  Information  he  possibly  can  as  to  the 
above  and  that  in  the  mean  while  the  Board  will  devise 
Measures  to  have  him  apprehended  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  5th  January  1781  j^8l5> 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (u   ,       Tr  , 
i,  .  r      "i  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 

Application  being  made  by  D-  George  Smith  for  Permission 
to  come  to  this  City  for  the  purpose  of  setling  his  private 
Business  and  Patrick  Smith  his  Bail  agreeing  to  the  same 
resolved  that  he  have  Permission  granted  him  for  me  space 
of  six  Days,  and  the  said  Dr.  Smith  requesting  also  Permission 


6l2 


State  of  New  York 


1781  to  visit  a  Patient  at  Col!  Gerrit  Van  Denbergh's  resolved 
fan.  5.  _  _  & 

also  that  Permission  be  granted  him  for  that  Purpose  with  the 
Consent  &  approbation  of  his  said  Bail  — 

Robert  Adems  requesting  Permission  of  the  Board  to  go  to 
Johnstown  for  the  Purpose  of  setling  his  Business  and 
Thomas  Shipboy  Bail  for  the  said  Robert  Adems  consenting 
to  the  same  resolved  that  the  said  Robert  Adems  have  Per- 
mission [316]  granted  him  accordingly  till  the  17-  day  of 
January  Instant  — 

A  Letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell,  Abraham  Outhout  and 
Ryneir  Mynderse  Esqlf  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at 
Schenectady  dated  the  2-  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board 
wherein  they  inform  us  that  Archibald  M'rKellop  and  Wil- 
liam Rodgers  who  are  under  Recognizance  to  this  Board 
refuse  to  do  any  Militia  Duty  when  called  upon  and  are 
adjudged  by  them  to  be  dangerous  Persons  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Letter  that  the  said 
Archibald  M^Kellop  and  William  Rodgers  be  ordered  forth- 
with to  appear  before  this  Board. 

A  Certificate  signed  by  Richard  Esselstyne  and  Lowrence 
Fonda  Esq-  two  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  County 
of  Albany  was  laid  before  the  Board  in  which  they  certify  that 
agreeable  to  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  entitled  "An  Act  for 
the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Persons  who  have  Joined  the 
Enemy"  they  have  warned  the  following  Women  to  depart  the 
State  or  remove  to  such  Parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  Power  of  the 
enemy  within  twenty  days  from  the  Time  of  the  Notice  given 
to  them  —  (to  wit)  Elsie  Elizabeth  Finkel,  Margaret  Finkle, 
Margaret  Seman,  Catharine  Seman,  Maria  Stever,  Eva 
Houser,  Christina  Benneway,  Maria  Reepenberger,  Gertruy 
Wear,  Anna  Charter,  Sintie  Coventry,  Bata  Scharp,  Mar- 
garet Shufelt,  Cornelia  Gardineir,  &  Maria  Herpst,  and  the 
said  Richard  Esselstyne  and  Lowrence  Fonda  certifying  that 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  613 


the  said  Elsie  Elizabeth  Finkle,  Margaret  Finkle,  Margaret  1781 
Seman,  Catharine  Seman,  Maria  Stever  Eva  Houser  and  5 
Christina  Benneway  have  always  behaved  themselves  in  an 
unexceptionable  Manner  and  that  they  do   [317]  not  think, 
their  remaining  at  their  Habitations  will  endanger  the  safety 
of  the  State  ordered  that  the  said  Certificate  be  filed  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  8Kh  January  1781  17S1 

n  Jan.  8. 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )  f        ,       -,7.  , 

'  ,  \  <  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer       )  ( 


John  Parks  of  the  Breakabeen  having  been  represented  to 
this  Board  as  a  disaffected  Person  and  it  being  deemed  neces- 
sary on  Account  of  his  Residence  on  the  Frontiers  of  this  State 
that  he  should  be  laid  under  Restrictions  and  having  ordered 
the  said  John  Parks  to  appear  for  that  Purpose  and  he  appear- 
ing this  day  agreeable  to  our  order  resolved  that  he  enter  into 
a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  01 
the  Present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Parks  of  the  Breakabeen  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

James  Beatty  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in  £100 

The  Board  being  informed  that  there  is  at  present  in  this 
City  a  certain  Daniel  M^Loud  who  is  possessed  of  a  Pass 
signed  by  Philip  Pell  Esq-  Commissary  of  Prisoners  of  this 
State  under  which  Pass  the  said  Daniel  M*;Looed  has  during 
the  whole  of  last  Summer  screened  himself  from  Militia  Dun- 
resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that  Jacob 


614 


State  of  New  York 


1781  Kidney  be  ordered  to  brin<i  the  said  Daniel  M-Looed  forth- 
Jan.  5.        t       J  0 

with  before  the  Board  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appearing  with  Daniel  M.cLooed  agreeable  to 
order  and  the  said  Pass  being  produced  and  it  appearing  that 
the  same  was  given  upwards  of  a  Year  ago  therefore  resolved 
tatthe  [318]  said  Pass  be  taken  from  the  said  Daniel  M-Looed 
and  delivered  to  the  said  Philip  Pell  Esq^  and  it  appearing 
necessary  to  this  Board  from  the  Principles  professed  by  the 
said  Daniel  M-Looed  that  he  should  be  restricted  in  his  Con- 
duct therefore  ordered  that  he  appear  before  this  Board  on  the 
12-  Instant  with  a  good  sufficient  surety  for  his  future  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  Appearance  when  called  upon. 

Adjourned 

8l  Met  Albany  9-  January  1781 

Jan.  9.  Present 

Tohn   M.  Beeckman  )       (M    ,       ir  , 
J  .  V        Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Walter  Trumble  of  Corey's  Bush  having  been  represented 
to  this  Board  as  a  disaffected  person  and  it  being  deemed 
necessary  on  account  of  his  Residence  on  the  Frontiers  that 
he  should  be  laid  under  Restrictions  and  having  ordered  the 
said  Walter  Trumble  to  appear  for  that  Purpose  &  he  ap- 
pearing this  day  agreeable  to  our  order  resolved  that  he 
enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Walter  Trumble  of  Corey's  Bush  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Alexander  McKey  of  Jericho  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Weaver  his  Bail  in  ,  •  •  •  •  £l0° 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  615 


[319]  Met  Albany  ioUl  January  1 781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  T       n  p  , 
J  ,  -        Isaac  u.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer         *  ( 

Robert  M'Clallen  and  Thomas  Shipboy  who  some  Time 
since  became  surety  for  Archibald  M'JNeal  appeared  before 
the  Board  and  requested  that  the  said  Archibald  M/jNeal 
might  have  Permission  to  go  to  Saragtoga  and  likewise  that 
Ezekiel  Ensign  might  have  a  similar  Indulgence 

And  we  having  considered  the  said  Request  and  judging 
from  the  present  Situation  of  affairs  that  their  going  Home 
at  this  Time  may  be  attended  with  dangerous  Consequences 
to  the  State  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  informed  that 
their  Request  cannot  be  complied  with. 

It  appearing  to  the  Board  from  the  Examination  of  Jot- 
ham  Bemus  that  his  wife  M-  Bemus  is  knowing  to  many 
enimical  Transactions  of  Angus  McDonald  of  Livingston's 
Manor  resolved  therefore  that  an  order  be  made  out  and 
sent  to  M-  Bemus  to  appear  forthwith  before  this  Board  in 
order  that  she  may  be  examined  as  to  the  above  — 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Board  that  Abraham  Vollwyder 
and  Andries  Tollhamer  of  Nistageune  are  dangerous  &  dis- 
affected Persons  who  by  their  Conduct  and  Conversation 
daily  give  Offence  to  the  Friends  of  the  American  Cause 
resolved  therefore  that  the  said  Abraham  Vollwider  and 
Andries  Tollhamer  appear  before  the  Board  forthwith,  with 
Each  a  sufficient  surety  to  enter  into  Recognizance  for  their 
future  good  Behaviour  &:  appearance  before  anv  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  — 

Adjourned  — 


1781 
Jan.  10. 


6i6 


State  of  New  York 


m8li2       ^20^  ^et  Albany  I2~  January  1 781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (       ,      ,7.  . 
■i  .  r      "i  Mathew  Visscher 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Daniel  M-Loed  appearing  agreeable  to  an  order  of  this 
Board  with  William  Fuller  as  his  Surety  resolved  that  he 
enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Daniel  M^Loed  of  the  City  of  Albany  La- 
bourer in  £100 

William  Fuller  of  the  same  place  Joiner  his 

Bail  in   £100 

On  Application  of  Jotham  Bemus  for  Permission  to  go 
to  Stillwater  to  settle  his  Business  (to  which  his  Bails  Job 
Wright  and  Reuben  Wright  consenting)  resolved  that  Per- 
mission be  granted  him  accordingly  and  that  he  have  Time 
given  him  for  fourteen  Days  for  that  Purpose  — 

Archibald  M^Kellop  having  on  the  5—  Instant  been  cited 
to  appear  before  the  Board  in  Consequence  of  a  Letter  re- 
ceived from  the  Commissioners  of  Conspiracies  at  Schenec- 
tady and  he  appearing  this  day  and  being  examined  as  to 
Information  received  respecting  him  and  utterly  denying 
the  same  and  being  willing  to  give  Surety  for  his  future 
good  Conduct  resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance 
for  his  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  and  for  his 
doing  his  duty  &  being  of  the  good  Behaviour  for  and 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  617 


fi2il  Archibald  McKellop  of  Schenectady  »78i 

lJ     J  r  J  Jan.  12. 

Farmer  in   £100 

Charles  Martin  of  the  same  Place  Merchant 
his  Bail  in   £-\QO 


Adjourned 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       i  A/r    L       A7-  , 

•'  ;  y  _T     _  >      <  Mathew  Visscher 

Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )  ( 


Met  Albany  i6fh  January  1781  jan78'6. 


Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 

Application  being  made  to  the  Board  for  Permission  for 
Archibald  M;Neal  and  Ezekiel  Ensign  to  go  to  Saragtoga 
for  the  Purpose  of  arranging  their  Family  affairs  and  their 
Bails  severally  consenting  thereto  resolved  that  they  have 
Permission  granted  them  accordingly  for  fourteen  Days 
from  this  Day  at  the  Expiration  of  which  Time  they  are 
again  to  repair  to  this  Place  — 

Lourence  Deal,  John  Garret  and  John  Coenly  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  requested  to  be  discharged  from  that 
Part  of  their  Recognizance  requiring  their  Appearance  at 
the  next  Supream  Court  and  they  engaging  to  make  known 
to  the  Board  whenever  John  Waltymier  shall  again  come 
in  that  Part  of  the  Country  in  which  they  reside  and  their 
Request  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  that  they 
be  discharged  accordingly  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  17th  January  1781  j*n&\7. 

Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  T  r\  t?  j 
i  .  r      1  Isaac  D.  rond 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 


a 


6i8 


State  of  New  York 


Jau8i".  Resolved  that  Hans  Peter  Snyder  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Com-[322]missioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with 
Great  Britain  And  to  remain  within  the  Limits  of  the 
District  of  Livingston's  Manor  — 

Hans  Peter  Snyder  of  Saragtoga  Farmer  in .  .  £100 
Jacob  Powers  of  Livingston's  Manor  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Peter  Bean  of  Livingston's  Manor  having  been  appre- 
hended on  the  Information  of  Johannis  Shaver  Esq^  for 
drinking  the  King's  Health  and  for  dissuading  Persons  from 
entering  into  the  nine  Month's  Service,  was  brought  before 
the  Board  resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  for  his 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  ther^ 
unto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War 
with  Great  Britain  —  And  also  for  his  appearance  at  the 
next  Supream  Court  of  judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State 
of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City  of  Albany  on  the 
third  Tuesday  in  January  Instant  (or  wheresoever  the  said 
Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer 
unto  all  such  Matters  and  Things  as  shall  be  then  and  there 
exhibited  against  him  And  not  to  depart  the  Court  without 
Leave 

Peter  Bean  of  Livingston's  Manor  Farmer  in"  £100 
Coenradt  Cline  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  the  Secretary  pay  to  Cap-  Coenradt  Cline 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  619 


the  sum  of  £q  ..  o    1  on  account  of  Services  Performed  in  x78i 
"     "  Jan.  1 

apprehending  and  bringing  to  Goal  John  Snoeck  Henry 
Hoogteling  and  others  — 1 

Adjourned  — 

[323]         Met  Albany  18th  January  1781  — 
Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )  ,      t7-  • 

J  Y      <  Mathew  Vissch 

Isaac  D.  ronda         )  ( 

Joseph  Carr  who  was  by  Recognizance  bound  to  remain 
within  the  Limits  of  this  City  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  requested  Permission  to  go  to  Stillwater  to  see  his 
Family  And  his  Bail  Alexander  Baldwin  consenting  thereto 
resolved  that  he  have  Permission  granted  him  accordingly 
for  fourteen  Days  — 

Henry  Tinkey  being  also  bound  by  Recognizance  to  re- 
main within  the  Limits  of  this  City  appeared  before  the 
Board  &  requested  to  Go  to  his  Family  at  the  Scotch  Patent 
and  his  Bail  Albert  Van  Der  Werken  consenting  to  the 
same  resolved  that  he  have  leave  granted  him  accordingly 
for  Fourteen  Days  — 

A  Petition  signed  by  Elbert  Willet  Thomas  Hun  and  a 
Number  of  other  respectable  and  well  affected  Inhabitants 
of  this  City  was  laid  before  the  Board  setting  forth  that 
Jane  Moffit  whose  Husband  is  at  present  with  the  Enemy 
has  been  warned  agreeable  to  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of 
this  State  for  the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Persons  who 
have  joined  the  Enemy  been  warned  to  depart  the  State  or 
remove  to  such  Parts  of  it  as  are  at  present  in  the  Power 
Of  the  Enemy,  that  notwithstanding  the  Political  Sentiments 

1  The  original  voucher  is  in  Revolutionary  Manuscripts,  vol.  40,  p.  162, 
State  Comptroller's  office. 


1781 
Jan.  18. 


620 


State  of  New  York 


JanSi8  °^  ^er  husband  the  said  Jane  Moffit  has  always  been  es- 
teemed a  Friend  to  the  American  Cause  and  that  they  do 
not  conceive  that  her  remaining  within  the  State  will  tend 
in  any  Manner  whatsoever  to  the  Prejudice  of  the  Freedom 
or  Independance  of  this  or  the  United  States  and  the  said 
Petition  being  [324]  taken  into  Consideration  resolved 
that  in  Consequence  thereof  that  a  Permit  be  granted  to 
the  said  Jane  Moffit  to  remain  at  her  Habitation  — 

Adjourned  — 

j£8i.  Met  Albany  2<rfh  January  1 78 1 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       {  c        ,  «  . 

ir   ,      xt.  r      i  bamuel  Stringer 

Mathew  Visscher      j       (  b 

Elsie  Elizabeth  Finkle,  Margaret  Finkle,  Margaret  Se- 
man,  Catharine  Seman,  Maria  Stever,  Eva  Houser  and 
Christina  Benneyway  whose  Husbands  are  at  present  with 
the  enemy  having  been  warned  by  Richard  Esselstyne  and 
Lourence  Fonda  Esq™  to  depart  the  State  or  remove  to 
such  Parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  Power  of  the  Enemy  agreeable 
to  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  entitled  "An  Act 
for  the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Persons  who  have  joined 
the  Enemy"  and  the  said  Justices  having  recommended 
the  said  women  above  named  as  Persons  of  inoffensive 
Characters  who  they  do  not  in  any  Manner  conceive  dan- 
gerous to  the  Safety  of  the  State  and  the  said  above  men- 
tioned Women  having  petitioned  this  Board  for  Permits  to 
remain  at  their  Habitations  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the 
Recommendation  of  the  said  Justices  that  Permits  be 
granted  them  accordingly  — 

It  being  represented  to  the  Board  by  the  Goaler  that  James 
Gillis  at  present  confined  in  Goal  is  very  111  and  that  a  Con- 
tinuance of  his  Confinement  may  endanger  his  Life  theretore 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  621 


resolved  that  he  be  permitted  to  go  to  the  House  of  the  Widow  *78i 
M^Neal  in  this  City  and  their  remain  until  he  is  recovered 
of  his  [325]  Indisposition  on  Neal  Shaw's  entering  into  a 
Recognizance  that  the  said  James  Gillis  during  his  Con- 
tinuance at  the  House  of  the  said  M-  McNeil  shall  be  of  the 
good  Behaviour  — 

Neal  Shaw  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 

Innkeeper  Bail  for  James  Gillis  in   £100 

James  Brisben  who  was  by  Recognizance  bound  to  remain 
within  the  Limits  of  this  City  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
requested  Permission  to  go  to  Saragtoga  to  see  his  Family 
and  his  Bail  Peter  Sharp  consenting  thereto  resolved  that  he 
have  Permission  granted  him  accordingly  until  the  15-  day 
of  February  next 

Archibald  McNeil  of  the  Scotch  Patent  having  p[e]titioned 
the  Board  to  be  released  from  Confinement  and  the  prayer  of 
the  said  Petition  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  there- 
upon that  he  be  discharged  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  &  for  his  remaining  within  the 
Limits  of  the  City  of  Albany  and  not  departing  the  same 
unless  he  shall  have  leave  previously  obtained  from  any  three 
of  the  said  Commissioners  or  unless  it  be  to  do  Militia  Duty  — 
Archibald  McNeil  of  the  Scotch  Patent  in  the 

County  of  Charlotte   Farmer  in   £100 

Evans  Umphrey  of  Tomhenick  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — ■ 

Met  Albany  26th  January  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samue1  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher       '       (  Reyneir  Mynderse 


1781 
Jan.  26. 


622 


State  of  New  York 


^826  [326]  Resolved  that  Gilbert  Miller  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  War  with  Great 


Britain  — 

Gilbert  Miller  of  Ballstown  Farmer  in   £100 

Joseph  Bettis  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  William  Bettis  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 


Britain  — 

William  Bettis  of  Ba^stown  Farmer  in   £100 

Teunis  Van  Vleek  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  Samuel  Burns  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 


Britain  — 

Samuel  Burns  of  New-town  Farmer  in   £100 

William  Bradshaw  of  Half  Moon  D  strict 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £50 

John  Flinn  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also  his 

Bail  in   £50 


John  Murray  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before  this 
Board  to  enter  into  Recognizance  of  a  new  appearing  this 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  623 


Day  agreeable  to  the  said  Order  resolved  that  he  be  bound  j^78^ 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto [327]  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Murray  of  Breakabeen  Farmer  in   £100 

Hugh  Alexander  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaer- 
wyck  Blacksmith  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  27^  January  1781  J&2*\7. 

Present 

Samuel  Stringer         [      f  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
John  M.  Beeckman  \       {  Mathew  Visscher 

Angus  McDonald  of  Livingston's  Manor  petitioned  the 
Board  to  be  released  from  Confinement  resolved  that  he  be 
informed  that  he  cannot  as  yet  be  liberated  — 

Application  was  made  to  the  Board  by  James  Gillis  for 
Permission  to  go  to  the  place  of  his  abode  at  the  Scotch 
Patent  for  the  Purpose  of  removing  his  Family  and  Effects 
in  the  Interior  Parts  of  the  Country  and  his  Bail  consenting 
to  the  same  resolved  that  he  have  Permission  granted  him 
accordingly  and  that  he  remove  by  the  first  Day  of  March 
next  — 

William  Hutton  petitioned  the  Board  to  be  released  from 
Confinement  on  Bail  and  as  the  said  William  Hutton  has  been 
a  long  Time  in  Confinement  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
informed  that  the  Board  will  liberate  him  provided  he  can 
procure  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  future  good  Behaviour 
and  appearance  when  called  upon  — 

Adjourned  — 


624 


State  of  New  York 


jaj782Q  Met  Albany  29-  January  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Mathew  Visscher      j      \  Samuel  Stringer 

Hannah  Bemus  wife  of  Jotham  Bemus  having  been  or- 
dered to  appear  before  the  Board  appeared  this  day  agreeable 
to  the  said  order  and  being  interrogated  as  to  Angus  Mc- 
Donald of  Livingston's  Manor  carrying  on  an  Intercourse 
with  the  Enemy  and  harbouring  British  Officers  who  were 
passing  through  the  Country  as  Expresses  and  she  refusing 
to  answer  to  the  same  and  there  being  great  Reason  to  suppose 
that  she  is  acquainted  with  the  above  Circumstances  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  she  be  committed  until  she  gives 
Satisfactory  Answers  to  the  same  and  that  a  Mittimus  be 
made  out  for  her  — 

Henry  Wiesner  Esq-  laid  before  the  Board  a  Petition  of  Joshua 
H.  Smith  at  present  confined  to  the  Goal  of  Orange  County  by 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at  Pougkeepsie  which  Peti- 
tion is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Petition  on  File)  — 

Resolved  that  M^  Wiesner  be  informed  that  this  Board 
will  not  interfere  with  the  Business  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  above  mentioned  — 

Resolved  that  William  Hutton  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
[329]  tinuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
William    Hutton   of   Lansingburgh  Cord- 

wainer  in   £  100 

John  Watt  of  New  Scotland  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  625 


Met  Albany  30^  January  1781  T.17Sl 
Present  3°' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  c         1  c  ■ 

i        _   „  >      s  hamuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        J      \  b 

Application  was  made  to  the  Board  by  Archibald  McNeil 
to  go  to  the  place  of  his  Abode  at  the  Scotch  Patent  for  the 
purpose  of  removing  his  Family  and  effects  in  the  Interior 
Parts  of  the  Country  and  his  Bail  consenting  to  the  same 
resolved  that  he  have  Permission  granted  him  accordingly 
&  that  he  remove  by  the  first  day  of  March  next 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  31st  January  1781  .  J78i 

Present  Jan' 3I' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Garrit  Van  Der  Pool  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commission- 
ers for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  [during]  the 
Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Garrit  Van  Der  Pool  of  the  East  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in. . .  £100 

William  Seaton  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

[330]  Met  Albany  if  February  178 1  Feb.  1. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  ,  r    ,       ,r  , 
J  \      \  Mathew  Visscher 

Isaac  D.  tonda        )  (. 


626 


State  of  New  York 


F^78i  It  appearing  to  the  Board  that  Peter  Ten  Broeck  is  Ex- 
changed and  under  Parole  to  go  to  New  York  —  Ordered 
that  the  Bond  of  the  said  Peter  Ten  Broeck  and  Wessel  Ten 
Broeck  his  Bail  be  given  up  to  John  Ten  Broeck  of  the  Great 
Imboght  Brother  to  the  said  Peter  Ten  Bro[e]ck  — 

Adjourned 

I78l  Met  Albany  2^  February  1781 

Feb.  2.  Present 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 
John  M.  Beeckman 


Samuel  Stringer 


Archibald  Campbell  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before 
this  Board  to  enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  &  he  appear- 
ing this  Day  agreeable  to  the  said  order  resolved  that  he  be 
bound  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  &  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Archibald  Campbell  of  the  District  of  Cam- 
bridge in  the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in .  £100 

William  Reed  of  New  Perth  in  Charlotte 
County  Miller  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 

Feb83       [331]  Met  Albany  3?  February  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         |      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  )       I  Mathew  Visscher 

Resolved  that  Angus  McDonald  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the   Commissioners  for   Conspiracies  when  thereunto 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  627 


required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  p1^81 
Great  Britain  — 

Angus  McDonald  of  Livingston's  Manor 
Farmer  in   £150 

Abraham  Vossburgh  of  Claverack  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £150 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  5th  February  1 781  —  ^jSi 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  J       \  T        r\  t?  j 
■i  .  \      <  Isaac  U.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        j  ( 

Resolved  that  Thomas  Yarns  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 

Thomas  Yarns  of  Kingsbury  in  Charlotte 
County  Farmer  in   £100 

Rowland  Perry  of  Palmertown  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

As  the  above  mentioned  Thomas  Yarns  live[s]  upon  the 
Frontiers  and  has  it  in  his  Power  to  aid  and  Comfort  the 
Enemy  resolved  that  he  be  ordered  to  remove  into  the 
Interior  Parts  of  this  State  by  the  first  day  of  May  next  — 

Adjourned  — 

[332]  Met  Albany  6^h  February  1781  $1% 


Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ~  , 

.  >      <  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 


628 


State  of  New  York 


i"eb8l6  Melchart  Van  Deusen  Esq-  of  Tryon  County  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  informed  us  that  he  has  received 
Information  that  a  certain  Albert  Van  Der  Werken  is  able  to 
prove  that  Major  Jellis  Fonda  was  knowing  to  Robert  Snell 
who  lived  with  the  said  Jellis  Fonda  going  to  the  Enemy 
last  spring 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that 
Albert  Van  Der  Werken  be  cited  to  appear  immediately 
before  this  Board  in  order  to  his  being  examined  as  to  the 

same  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany       February  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  t?  j 

J  .  >      <  Isaac  D.  ^onda 

Samuel  Stringer        .1  ( 

Albert  Van  Der  Werken  appeared  agreeable  to  the  Order 
of  Yesterday  and  was  examined  as  to  the  Information 
against  Major  Jellis  Fonda,  on  his  Examination  he  says 
that  he  was  informed  by  Robert  Snell  that  Major  Fonda 
was  privy  to  his  going  off  but  does  not  from  his  own  Knowl- 
edge [know]  whether  it  be  true  — 

The  said  Albert  Van  Der  Werken  also  says  that  a  certain 
Peter  Boon  of  Tryon  County  is  able  to  give  some  very  mate- 
rial Information  respecting  sundry  disaffected  Persons  [333] 
of  that  Place  resolved  that  the  said  Peter  Boon  be  ordered 
immediately  to  attend  this  Board  in  order  that  he  may  be 
examined  as  to  the  same  — 

The  Board  received  Information  that  William  Laird  who 
came  from  the  Enemy  under  a  Pretence,  of  his  deserting 
from  them  is  come  with  an  Intention  of  enlisting  Men  for 
the  Service  of  the  enemy    It  is  therefore  resolved  that  James 


1781 
Feb.  7. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  629 


Crosset  and  Benjamin  Crosset  who  are  Bail  for  the  Appear-  Fxe^8l7 
ance  of  the  said  William  Laird  be  ordered  forthwith  to  de- 
liver him  up  to  this  Board  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  8th  February  1781  1781 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c         ,  c  . 

i        _  „  y      <  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         )      \  h 

Resolved  that  James  McKoy  (a  Deserter  from  the  British 
Army  at  present  in  Confinement  on  a  Complaint  of  Dis- 
affection) be  discharged  from  Confinement  on  his  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain 

James  M";Koy  of  Livingston's  Manor  Tay- 
lor in    £100 

Christopher  Hagedorn  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  o)h  February  1781  Feb%. 

Present 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       [  c        ,  c  . 

y      <  bamuel  Stringer 
John  M.  Beeckman  J  { 

[334]  Col'.  Abraham  Veeder  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  he  had  received  Information  that  a  cer- 
tain Coenradt  Coon  has  been  lately  sworn  for  the  King  in  the 
House  of  Thomas  Bebee  by  an  Emissary  from  the  Enemy  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Thomas  Bebee  be  cited  forthwith  to 
appear  before  this  Board  to  give  Information  as  to  the  above 

Adjourned  — 


630 


State  of  New  York 


* 781  Met  Albany  13th  February  1781 

Present 


Samuel  Stringer 
John  M.  Beeckman 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 


It  appearing  to  the  Board  from  the  Information  of  Walter 
Quackenbush  that  Harmen  Haver  of  Livingstons  Manor 
did  lately  in  Conversation  with  Garret  Quackenbush  call 
him  the  said  Walter  Quackenbush  and  the  said  Garret 
Quackenbush  damned  Rebels  and  the  said  Harmen  Haver 
sustains  the  Character  of  a  disaffected  Person  therefore 
resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  to  bring  the  said  Har- 
men Haver  forthwith  before  this  Board  — 

Thomas  Bebee  who  was  on  the  9-  Instant  cited  to  appear 
before  the  Board  appeared  and  being  Examined  as  to  the 
Information  given  by  Col!  Veeder  confesses  that  Coenradt 
Coon  was  sworn  for  the  King  at  his  House  but  that  it  was 
contrary  to  his  inclination  and  that  he  would  have  opposed 
the  same  if  he  had  had  it  in  his  Power  and  it  appearing  that 
Col!  Veeder  received  the  Information  [335]  from  the  said 
Thomas  Bebee  and  that  the  said  Bebee  is  well  affected  to 
the  American  Cause  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  15^  February  1781 

Feb- IS'  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  T        r\  t?  j 
•(  V      <  Isaac  U.  fonda 

Mathew  Visscher       }  ( 

Ezekiel  Ensign  made  application  to  the  Board  for  Per- 
mission to  go  to  his  place  of  abode  at  Saragtoga  and  his 
request  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  that  the 
same  be  granted  on  his  taking  an  Oath  that  he  will  not 
dire[c]tly  or  indirectly  give  aid  or  Comfort  or  Intelligence 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  631 


to  the  Enemies  of  the  United  States  of  America  and  that  he  *78t 

Feb.  15. 

will  make  known  to  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  all 
treasonable  actings  &  doings  attempted  against  the  same 
whenever  it  shall  come  to  his  knowledge  during  the  Contin- 
uance of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  —  And  the 
said  Ezekiel  Ensign  having  taken  the  said  Oath  resolved 
with  the  Consent  of  his  Bail  that  he  have  Leave  to  remain 
at  his  place  of  abode  at  Saragtoga  — 

Archibald  McNeil  made  application  to  go  &  see  his 
Family  at  Saragtoga  ordered  with  consent  of  his  Bail  that 
he  have  leave  granted  him  until  Monday  next  — 

William  Robins  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before 
this  Board  to  enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  and  he  ap- 
pearing this  day  agreeable  to  the  said  order  resolved  that 
[336]  he  be  bound  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Contin- 
uance of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

William  Robins  of  the  Township  of  Argyle 

in  the  County  of  Charlotte  Farmer  in .  .  .  .  £100 

Edward  Savage  of  White  Creek  in  the  County 

of  Charlotte  Esq- his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  16-  February  178 1  1781 
Present  Feb- l6' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c        ,  n  . 

t  ^  c      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  ronda         j  (. 

George  Tellford  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before 
this  Board  to  enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  and  appearing 
this  Day  agreeable  to  the  said  Order  resolved  that  he  be 
bound  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  dutv  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


632 


State  of  New  York 


Feb8i6    wnen  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain 

George  Tellford  of  the  District  of  Cambridge 

in  the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in  £100 

Moses  Martin  of  White  Creek  in  the  County 

of  Charlotte  Esq-  his  Bail  in  £100 

William  Blake  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before  this 
Board  to  enter  into  Recognizance  of  anew  appearing  this 
day  agreeable  to  the  said  Order  resolved  that  he  be  bound 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
[337]  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  WTar 
with  Great  Britain 

William  Blake  of  the  District  of  Cambridge  in 

the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Moses  Martin  of  White  Creek  in  the  County 
of  Charlotte  Esq- his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 

F*78i  Met  Albany  17th  February  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c        ,  c  . 

i        ^  „    •  >      <  bamuel  btnnger 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        J       (  5 

Resolved  that  Thomas  M^Feal  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  Duty  &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 
Thomas  M'jFeal  of  Livingston's  Manor  La- 
bourer in   £100 

Abraham  Bloodgood  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Innkeeper  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  633 


Met  Albany  19'.-  February  1781  J78i 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c         1  o*  • 

j  t?    j  f      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  u.  ronda        )  ( 

Resolved  that  William  Bell  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  thre[e]  of  the 
[338]  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

William  Bell  of  Fort  Edward  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Duncan  Shaw  of  Charlotte  County  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

As  the  above  mentioned  William  Bell  lives  upon  the 
Frontiers  and  has  it  in  his  Power  to  aid  and  Comfort  the 
Enemy  resolved  that  he  be  ordered  to  remove  into  the 
Interior  Parts  of  this  State  by  the  first  Day  of  April  next  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  20-  February  1781  1781 

r,  J  J  Feb.  20. 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  f  T        r->  t-  j 

J  r  1  ^saac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  (. 

An  Affidavit  of  Zachariah  Holsapple  taken  before  Samuel 
Ten  Broeck  Esq-  of  Livingston's  Manor  was  laid  before  the 
Board  whereby  it  appears  that  Teunis  Smith  of  Livingston's 
has  lately  harboured  and  concealed  two  British  Officers  who 
were  enlisting  Men  for  the  Enemies  Service  resolved  in 
Consequence  of  the  said  Affidavit  that  a  warrant  be  made 
out  for  the  apprehension  of  the  said  Teunis  Smith  and  that 


634 


State  of  New  York 


1781  Citations  be  sent  to  Simon  Rockefeller  &  Tohannis  Miller 
Feb.  20.  ,  ,  J 

who  were  knowing  to  the  said  Officers  being  at  the  House  of 
the  said  Teunis  Smith  and  that  the  said  warrant  and  Citations 
be  sent  to  the  said  Samuel  Ten  Broeck  Esq-  for  the  purpose 
of  having  them  served  — 

Adjourned  — 

Feb82i.      [339]  Met  Albany  2 1-  February  1 781 . 

Present 

Mathew  Visscher  )       (  T        r\  t-  j 

.  f      1  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer   )  (. 

William  Bradshaw  and  John  Flinn  who  did  on  the  26th  day 
of  January  last  become  surety  for  Samuel  Burns  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  requested  Permission  to  deliver  up  the 
said  Samuel  Burns  in  discharge  of  themselves,  resolved  that 
the  said  William  Bradshaw  and  John  Flinn  be  accordingly 
discharged  and  that  the  said  Samuel  Burns  be  committed  and 
that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him. 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  22-  February  1781 

Feb.  22.  Present 

Samuel  Stringer     )       (  T        ^  ~  , 

y      <  Isaac  D.  fonda 
Mathew  Visscher  J  ( 

Joel  Abbot  informed  the  Board  that  a  certain  Jacob 
Timmerman  has  harboured  and  secreted  Emissaries  from  the 
Enemy  and  has  assisted  Persons  who  were  on  their  way  to 
Canada  and  the  Examination  of  the  said  Joel  Abbot  being 
taken  as  to  the  same  is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (see 
Examination  on  File)  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said 
Examination  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the  said  Jacob 
Timmerman. — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  635 


It  also  appearing  to  the  Board  from  the  said  Examination  x78i 

.  .  .  .  Feb.  22. 

of  Joel  Abbot  that  the  wife  of  William  Nelling  Jun-  was 

privy  to  Timmerman  secreting  Persons  from  the  enemy 
therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  also  made  out  to  appre- 
hend her. — 

[340]  Resolved  that  John  Todd  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain. — 

John  Todd  of  White  Creek  in  the  County  of 
Charlotte  Carpenter  in   £100 

Isaac  Little  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Robert  Gitty  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  23d  February  1781  Feb^aa 

Present 

Samuel  Stringer   )  (  T  t-  j 

...  b,      y  ■{  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Mathew  Visscher  )  (. 

Resolved  that  John  WykofF  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 

John  WykofF  of  Nistageuna  Labourer  in  ... .  £100 
David   Maxwell  of  Ballstown  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Zachariah  Holsapple  whose  Examination  taken  before 


636 


State  of  New  York 


J78i  Samuel  Ten  Broeck  Esqr  was  laid  before  the  Board  on  the 
Feb.  23.  . 

21-  Instant  was  brought  before  us  and  being  Examined  and 

his  Examination  being  reduced  to  writing  is  in  the  words 

following  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File) 

Adjourned. — 

Feb.8a7.      [341]  Met  Albany  27^  February  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ~  , 
J  .  >      1  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  having  requested  by 
Letter  that  James  Van  Driesen  may  be  liberated  from  Con- 
finement and  the  Board  taking  the  said  Request  into  Con- 
sideration do  thereupon  resolve  that  the  said  James  Van 
Driesen  be  accordingly  discharged. — 

Lieut-  Col-  Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  that  there  has  lately  been  a  Meeting  of  a 
Number  of  disaffected  Persons  in  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  at  the  House  of  James  Lister  at 
which  Meeting  was  publicly  read  by  Jabez  Spencer  a  Procli- 
mation  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton  Commander  in  cheif  of  the 
British  Forces  in  America  which  Conduct  being  in  open 
Violation  of  the  Laws  of  this  State  and  destructive  of  the 
Peace  and  good  Government  of  the  same  and  having  a  Ten- 
dency to  Alienate  the  Minds  of  Friends  of  the  American 
Cause  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the 
immediate  Apprehension  of  the  said  Jabez  Spencer  together 
with  all  such  other  disaffected  Persons  as  were  present  at  the 
said  Meeting  and  that  the  said  warrant  be  delivered  to  Cap' 
Robert  Woodward  for  the  Purpose  of  having  the  same 
served. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  637 


Resolved  that  John  May  and  John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  FeY8*. 
who  were  present  at  the  above  mentioned  Meeting  be  cited 
to  appear  before  this  Board  to  Morrow  Morning  in  Order 
that  they  may  be  examined  as  to  the  same. 

Adjourned. 

[342]  Met  Albany  28th  February  1 781  ^781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        j       {  Samuel  Stringer 

John  May  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  the  Board 
this  Day  appeared  agreeable  to  Order  &  being  examined  as 
to  the  Meeting  at  James  Lister's  at  which  Sir  Henry  Clinton's 
Proclamation  was  read  he  saith  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  his 
Examination  on  File). — 

In  Consequence  of  the  above  Examination  resolved  that 
a  warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  the  said  John  May  for  the 
immediate  Apprehension  of  Silas  Wood  and  William  Bruce, 
and  that  the  said  John  May  be  directed  to  search  the  Houses 
of  the  said  Silas  Wood  and  William  Bruce  for  treasonable 
Papers,  and  that  he  bring  the  Bodies  with  the  said  Papers 
forthwith  before  us. — 

Alexander  Cone  having  been  apprehended  by  Cap-  Ichabod 
Turner  for  being  concerned  in  dispersing  Sir  Henry  Clinton's 
Proclamation  and  being  brought  before  the  Board  and 
Examined  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned. — 

Met  Albany  Is.' 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman 
Samuel  Stringer 


March  1781.—  *78r 
'  Mar.  1. 

j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 


638 


State  of  New  York 


Application  was  made  to  the  Board  by  James  Gillis  for 
Permission  to  go  to  his  Place  of  Abode  at  the  Scotch  [343] 
Patent  and  his  Bail  Neal  Shaw  consenting  to  the  same 
resolved  that  he  have  Permission  accordingly  until  the  first 
Day  of  April  next. — 

Application  was  also  made  to  the  Board  by  Archibald 
M'rNeal  for  Permission  to  go  to  his  Place  of  Abode  at  the 
Scotch  Patent  to  which  his  surety  Evans  Humphrey  con- 
senting resolved  that  he  have  Permission  accordingly  until 
the  first  day  of  April  next  — 

Major  Jacob  Schermerhorn  appeared  before  the  Board 
with  Yutlope  Chrencher  &  Hendrick  Schermerhorn  who  he 
informed  us  are  able  to  give  Information  concerning  a 
Number  of  disaffected  Inhabitants  at  Schodack  and  the  said 
Yutlope  Chrencher  and  Hendrick  Schermerhorn  being 
examined  say  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  their  Examination  on 
File)  — 

Resolved  that  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Examinations 
of  Yutlope  Chrencher  and  Hendrick  Schermerhorn  that  a 
warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Cap^  Nicholas  Staats  for 
the  immediate  Apprehension  of  Martin  Egbertse  and 
Johannis  Kittle  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  2^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Lieu-  David  Hustead  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  that  agreeable  to  our  warrant  he  had  apprehended 
John  Cone  and  David  Ni[c]hols  for  dispersing  about  the 
Country  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Proclamation  and  that  he  had 
also  apprehended  James  Lister,  Thomas  Hicks  and  Henry 


1781 
Mar.  2. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


[344]  Filkens  who  were  present  at  the  reading  of  one  of  the  M*7f 
said  Proclamations  at  the  House  of  the  said  James  Lister 
and  they  being  severally  brought  before  the  Board  and 
Examined  resolved  that  John  Cone  and  David  Nichols  be 
confined  and  that  James  Lister,  Thomas  Hicks,  and  Henry 
Filkins  be  ordered  to  appear  before  the  Board  to  Morrow 
Morning  — 

Gersham  Odell  one  of  the  Constable's  of  Hosick  District  . 
appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  that  he  had  appre- 
hended Jacob  Timmerman  against  whom  a  warrant  was 
issued  by  this  Board  upon  the  Information  of  Joel  Abbot  & 
the  said  Jacob  Timmerman  being  brought  before  us  and 
examined  ordered  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

A  Letter  from  Abraham  Fonda  Esq^  and  Col-  Abraham 
Wemple  dated  as  Schenectady  was  laid  before  the  Board 
wherein  they  inform  that  they  send  to  us  under  Guard  John 
Mekelmay,  John  Curry  &  George  Scott  who  have  harboured 
and  secreted  two  Men  who  were  on  their  way  to  the 
Enemy  resolved  that  they  be  Confined  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  them. — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  3d  March  1781  ^ 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer         )      1  I  saac  D.  Fonda 

Resolved  that  Abraham  Robison  who  is  Surety  for  Andries 
Stoll  be  ordered  forthwith  to  deliver  up  the  said  Andries 
Stoll.— 

[345]  Lieu-  David  Hustead  appearing  before  the  Board 
was  examined  his  Examination  is  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see 
Examination  on  File) 


640 


State  of  New  York 


Cap^  Henry  Dencker  appearing  before  the  Board  agree- 
able to  order  was  examined  his  Examination  is  as  follows 
(to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File) 

Cap*  Nicholas  Staats  appeared  before  the  Board  & 
informed  that  he  had  apprehended  agreeable  to  our  warrant 
John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh,  John  Kittle,  Jacobus  Moll,  Peter 
Wyngart,  Andries  Wessels,  Martin  Egbertse  and  Peter  Van 
Valkenburgh  and  they  being  brought  before  us  and  exan> 
ined  resolved  that  Martin  Egbertse  Peter  Wyngaert,  Jacobus 
Moll,  John  Kittle  and  John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  be  com- 
mitted and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them. — 

It  appearing  to  the  Board  from  a  Recommendation  of 
sundry  well  affected  Inhabitants  that  John  J.  Van  Valken- 
burgh has  during  the  present  Contest  behaved  himself  in  a 
peaceable  and  inoffensive  Manner  yet  as  he  is  reputed  to  be 
disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  therefore  resolved  that 
previous  to  his  Discharge  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for 
his  future  good  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  for  and  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain. — 

John  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  of  Schodack  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £200 

Andries  Wessels  apprehended  by  Cap-  Staats  being  recom- 
mended to  the  Board  as  a  Peaceable  Person  yet  as  he  is  also 
[346]  reputed  to  be  disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  there- 
fore resolved  that  previous  to  his  Discharge  he  enter  into  a 
Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Andries  Wessels  of  Schodack  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Labourer  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  641 


Samuel  Hill  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rens-  MI?81 
selaerwyck  having  been  present  at  James  Lister's  when  Sir 
Henry  Clinton's  Proclamation  was  there  read  &  being 
Examined  and  it  appearing  from  the  Recommendation  of 
Cap-  Woodward  that  the  said  Samuel  Hill  has  always 
behaved  himself  as  a  Zealous  Friend  to  the  American  Cause 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 

The  above  mentioned  Samuel  Hill  mentioning  to  the 
Board  his  willingness  to  apprehend  Jabez  Spencer  resolved 
that  a  warrant  for  that  Purpose  be  made  out  and  delivered 
to  him.  — 

Thomas  Hicks,  James  Lister,  and  Henry  Filkins  appearing 
before  the  Board  agreeable  to  the  Order  of  Yesterday  were 
again  examined  and  as  it  does  not  appear  that  they  were 
concerned  in  or  promoted  the  reading  the  Proclamation 
before  mentioned  but  as  they  sustain  the  Characters  of 
being  disaffected  to  the  American  Cause  therefore  resolved 
that  they  procure  Sureties  for  their  future  good  Behaviour  — 

James  Lister  appearing  with  Israel  Thomas  as  surety  [347] 
resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
James  Lister  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in  ...  .  £100 
Israel  Thomas  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Thomas  Hicks  and  Henry  Filkins  being  unable  to  procure 
Bail  other  than  for  their  Appearance  with  sufficient  sureties 
at  some  future  day  resolved  that  they  severally  enter  into 
a  Recognizance  for  their  Appearance  on  Tuesday  next  with 
sufficient  sureties  to  become  bound  with  them  for  their 
future  good  Conduct  and  Appearance  when  called  upon.  — 


642 


State  of  New  York 


Mar8  3  Thomas  Hicks  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

David  Hustead  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Robert  Woodward  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

also  his  Bail  in   £100 

Henry  Filkins  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

David  Hustead  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Robert  Woodward  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
also  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned.  — 
*?8r  Met  Albany  5^  March  1781 

Mar.  5.  -r» 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  T        T-k  t-  j 

•L        ,  o   •  r  -  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Abraham  Bloodgood  appeared  before  the  Board  with 
Thomas  M^Feal  for  whom  he  some  Time  since  entered 
[348]  Recognizance  and  surrendered  the  said  Thomas 
M'Teal  resolved  that  the  said  Abraham  Bloodgood  be 
accordingly  discharged  from  the  said  Recognizance  and 
that  the  said  Thomas  M^Feal  stand  committed  till  he  procure 
another  sufficient  surety  — 

John  M-Fall  appearing  before  the  Board  and  offering  to 
become  surety  for  the  above  mentioned  Thomas  M-Feal 
resolved  that  the  said  Thomas  M-Fall  be  discharged  on 
entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain.  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  643 


Thomas  McFeaI  of  the  Manor  of  Livingston  „I78x 

Mar.  ; 

in  the  County  of  Albany  Labourer  in   £100 

John  M'rFall  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  William 
Laird  is  at  Johnstown  and  that  there  is  the  greatest  Reason 
to  think  that  he  intends  soon  to  go  to  Canada  therefore 
resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  and  directed  to  any 
Constable  of  Tryon  County  for  the  immediate  Apprehen- 
sion of  the  said  William  Laird.  — 

Thomas  Hicks  who  was  on  the  third  Instant  bound  for 
his  Appearance  before  this  Board  with  a  sufficient  surety 
appeared  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for 
his  good  Behaviour,  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain.  — 

Thomas  Hicks  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

[349]  David  Hustead  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £ "100 

Henry  Filkins  who  was  also  on  the  third  Instant  bound 
for  his  Appearance  before  this  Board  with  a  sufficient 
surety  appeared  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 


war  with  Great  Britain.  — 

Henry  Filkins  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in. .  .  .  £100 

Abraham  Filkins  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


644 


State  of  New  York 


Teunis  Smith  of  Livingston's  Manor  having  by  Virtue 
of  a  warrant  from  this  Board  been  apprehended  by  Jacob 
Powers  Constable  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  being 
interrogated  as  to  his  harbouring  two  British  Officers,  he 
denied  the  same  and  it  appearing  from  the  Recommendation 
of  his  Officers  that  he  has  always  behaved  himself  well  and 
there  being  great  Reason  to  think  that  the  Charge  as  alledged 
against  him  by  Zachariah  Holsapple  is  untrue  therefore 
resolved  that  he  be  discharged. — 

Johannis  Smith  of  Livingston's  Manor  being  also 
examined  on  the  Information  of  Zachariah  Holsapple  as  to 
the  Officers  said  to  have  been  at  the  House  of  Teunis 
Smith  above  mentioned  and  it  appearing  that  he  is  alto- 
gether unacquainted  with  the  same  therefore  resolved  that 
he  be  discharged. — 

Bowles  Arnold  having  been  present  at  the  Meeting  at 
James  Lister's  where  Sir  Henrv  Clinton's  Proclamation  was 
read  appeared  agreeable  to  our  order  and  being  Examined  as 
[350]  to  the  same  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that 
a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him. — 

Lieu^  Col1-  Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  us  that  a  few  days  since  he  issued  his 
warrant  agreeable  to  Law  for  the  Apprehension  of  Andries 
Stoll  and  Harpert  Witbeeck  who  had  been  fined  by  a  Court 
Martial  for  Neglect  of  Militia  Duty  which  Fine  they  refused 
to  pay  that  the  said  Andries  Stoll  &  Harpert  Witbeeck  had 
been  apprehended  by  Serjeant  Elijah  Adams  and  that  after 
being  so  apprehended  a  Number  of  disaffected  Persons 
(to  wit)  Robert  Mackesny,  Samuel  Mackesny,  John  Mac- 
kesny,  Walter  Mackesny,  John  Barham,  Peter  Kimmell, 
Lowrence  Snyder,  Jacob  Fraligh,  Sander  Buison,  Christopher 
File,  Jacob  Kerncross,  Coenradt  Heydorn,  John  Melius, 
Abraham  Van  Aernam,  Andries  Colekamer  &  others  did 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  645 


forceably  rescue  the  said  Andries  Stoll  and  Harpert  Wit-  ^781 
beeck  from  the  said  Elijah  Adams   resolved  in  Consequence 
of  the  above  information  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for 
the  immediate  apprehension  of  the  said  Persons  above 
mentioned  &  all  others  concerned  in  the  said  Rescue. — 

Adjourned. 

Met  Albany  6^  March  1781 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  t?  j 

.  <  Isaac  U.  l*onda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

John  Cone  and  David  Nichols  who  a  few  days  ago  were 
confined  for  dispersing  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Proclamations 
about  the  Country  were  brought  before  the  Board  and 
severally  examined    resolved  that  they  be  recommitted. — 

[351]  Hezekiah  Van  Orden  Esq-  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  requested  that  George  Burk  a  Deserter  from 
the  British  Army  might  be  discharged  from  Confinement 
&  that  he  the  said  Hezekiah  Van  Orden  would  take  the  said 
George  Burk  in  his  Care  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 
accordingly. — 

John  Scott  who  was  confined  at  the  Request  of  Abra- 
ham Fonda  Esq-  and  Col1  Abraham  Wemple  for  har- 
bouring two  Men  who  were  on  their  way  to  the  Enemy  was 
brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  resolved  that  he 
be  recommitted. — 

Cap^  Robert  Woodward  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  that  Nicholas  Miller,  John  Miller,  and  John  |. 
Miller  were  present  at  the  Meeting  at  James  Lister's  where 
a  Proclamation  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton  was  read;  &  that  the 
said  Nicholas  Miller,  John  Miller  and  John  J.  Miller 
appeared  to  be  warmly  engaged  in  promoting  the  reading  the 
said  Proclamation  wherefore  it  is  resolved  that  a  warrant  be 


1781 
Mar.  6. 


646  State  of  New  York 


„T78i  made  out  directed  to  Cap1  Nicholas  Staats  for  their  immediate 
Mar.  o.  m  r 

Apprehension 
Adjourned.  — 

Ma?;.  Met  Albany  7th  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  1       (       .  TT. 
Samuel  Strin  er       ^      '  ™atnew  Visscher 

amue       inSer       f      ")  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 
Isaac  U.  fonda       ;  \J 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  having  in  Consequence  of 
the  Information  received  by  this  Board  from  Lieu-  Col- 
Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  on  the  5-  Instant  ordered  a  Party 
of  [352]  Col-  Cuyler's  Regiment  to  apprehend  all  those  who 
were  concerned  in  rescueing  Andries  Stoll  and  Harpert 
Lansing  from  the  Custody  of  Elijah  Adams  and  they  having 
apprehended  a  Number  of  disaffected  Persons  concerned 
in  the  said  Rescue  and  the  said  Persons  being  by  order  of  his 
Excellency  the  Governor  brought  before  the  Board  and 
severally  Examined  their  Names  are  as  follows  (to  wit) 
Samuel  Swertfeger,  Melchert  File,  Jacob  Weeger  Junr, 
John  Weeger,  Christopher  File,  Christopher  Shaver  Robert 
Machesny,  Walter  Machesny,  Abraham  Roberts,  John 
Smith,  Harper  Lansing,  Coenradt  Heydorn,  Coenradt 
Colehamer,  John  Klint,  Andries  Stoll  Samuel  Machesny, 
Jacob  Fraligh  and  Isaac  Hop  resolved  that  they  be  severally 
committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them. — 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  a  certain 
Person  supposed  to  be  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  has  been  at  the 
House  of  Lieu-  Cleveland  and  the  said  Cleveland  being 
ordered  to  appear  before  us  and  he  appearing  on  being 
examined  says  that  he  does  not  recollect  having  seen  any 
such  Person  at  his  House  resolved  that  it  be  recommended 
to  him  to  be  Extremely  vigilant  in  learning  the  Characters 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  647 


of  such  Persons  as  he  entertains  in  his  House  and  from  Time  M178' 
to  Time  give  Information  to  this  Board  of  all  such  Persons 
of  whom  he  may  be  suspicious. — 

William  Rovvke  being  apprehended  and  brought  before 
the  Board  as  a  suspicious  Person  on  being  examined  says 
that  he  is  enlisted  during  the  war  for  a  class  resolved 
that  he  be  delivered  over  to  Lieu-  Snow. — 

Adjourned. 

[353]  Met  Albany  8^  March  1 781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        f      1  Hugh  Mitchell 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  at  the  house 
of  Dirck  Van  Der  Wilgen  at  the  Hellebergh  there  has  lately 
been  a  Meeting  of  a  Number  of  disaffected  Persons  at 
which  said  Meeting  among  others  were  present  Peter  Seeger 
and  Gerrit  Seeger  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said 
Information  that  the  Said  Dirck  Van  Der  Wilgen  Gerrit 
Seeger  and  Peter  Seeger  be  cited  to  appear  before  the  Board 
to  give  Information  as  to  the  above  Meeting  — 

John  Curry,  John  Mekelmay  and  John  Scott  having  made 
application  to  the  Board  to  be  liberated  from  Confinement 
on  Bail  and  the  same  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved 
that  they  be  severally  liberated  accordingly  on  entering  into 
Recognizance  to  appear  within  ten  Days  from  the  Date  hereof 
with  each  of  them  a  sufficient  surety  before  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  at  Schenectady  and  that  before  the  said 
Commissioners  they  severally  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for 
their  good  Behaviour  doing  their  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 


1781 
Mar.  8. 


648 


State  of  New  York 


Mai-8  8  Jonn  Curry  of  Ballstown  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

John  Mekelmay  of  the  same  Place  Farmer  in.  £100 

John  Scott  of  the  same  place  Farmer  in. . . .  £100 
Adjourned. — 

1 78l 

Mar-  9-       [354]  Met  Albany  9^?  March  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ^  . 
J„        .  _   .  \      \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        j  ( 

Robert  Simmons  late  a  Cap-  in  the  Enemies  Service  being 
at  present  in  this  City  and  it  being  conceived  necessary  that 
he  should  be  examined  and  he  being  sent  for  and  appearing 
was  examined  his  Examination  is  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File) 

Resolved  that  Melchert  File  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Melchert  File  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  . .  .  £100 

Isaac  Van  Aernam  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Hatter  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Nicholas  Miller  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  649 


Nicholas  Miller  of  the  East  District  of  the  ^781 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Innkeeper  in.  .  £100 

John  Ja.  Miller  of  the  same  place  Taylor 

his  Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  John  J.  Miller  be  discharged  from  [355]  con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain. — 


John  J.  Miller  of  the  East  District  in  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

Nicholas  Staats  of  the  same  Place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  that  John  Andrew  be  discharged  from  confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain. — 


John  Andrew  of  New-town  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Labourer  in   £100 

Coenradt  Nestly  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 


The  Board  being  informed  that  Samuel  Inglis  of  the  west 
District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  was  present  at  the 
Reading  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Proclamation  at  the  House  of 
James  Lister  resolved  in  Consequence  thereof  that  the  said 
Samuel  Inglis  be  cited  to  appear  before  this  Board  forthwith 
to  answer  to  the  same.  — 

Resolved  that  Lieu-  David  Hustead  and  David  Sprague  be 
cited  to  appear  forthwith  before  the  Board  in  order  that  they 
may  be  examined  as  to  the  Meeting  at  James  Lister's. — 

Derick  Van  Der  Welgen,  Peter  Seeger  &  Gerrit  Seeger 


650 


State  of  New  York 


^781  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  the  Board  for  the  Pur- 
pose of  being  Examined  respecting  a  Meeting  of  a  Number 
of  [356]  disaffected  Persons  at  the  Hellebergh  at  which  they 
were  present  and  they  appearing  agreeable  to  the  said 
order  were  severally  examined  and  say  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  their  Examination  on  File) 

Adjourned 

gl  Met  Albany  10^  March  1781  — 

Mar.  10.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  j       {  Samuel  Stringer 

James  Brisben  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
Permission  to  go  to  his  Place  of  Abode  at  Saragtoga  and 
remain  some  time  with  his  Family  which  Request  of  the 
said  James  Brisben  being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved 
that  he  have  Leave  granted  him  accordingly  until  the  first 
day  of  April  next.  — 

Henry  Tinkey  also  restricted  by  Recognizance  to  the 
Limits  of  this  City  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
to  go  to  his  Place  of  Abode  at  the  Scotch  Patent  resolved 
on  considering  the  same  that  he  also  have  Leave  granted 
until  the  first  day  of  April  Next.  — 

Resolved  that  Nicholas  Muller  enter  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature 
held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said 
Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave.  — 

Nicholas  Muller  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Innkeeper  in. .  £100 

[357]  Jerone  Van  Valkenburgh  of  Schodack 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  651 


Resolved  that  John  J.  Miller  enter  into  a  Recognizance  MI7Sl 
for  his  appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature 
held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City 
of  Albany  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  whereso- 
ever the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  afore- 
said) and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  Leave.  — 

John  J.  Miller  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in .  .  .  .  £100 

Jerone  Van  Valkenburgh  of  Schodack  Farm- 
er his  Bail  in   £100 

Samuel  Swertfeger  having  been  confined  for  being  con- 
cerned in  the  late  Meeting  of  the  disaffected  on  the  Hosick 
Road  and  it  appearing  that  the  charge  is  not  well  founded 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged.  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  12^  March  1781  1781 

r>  Mar.  12. 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  ]      j  Mathew  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer        )       {  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Resolved  that  John  Klint  be  discharged  from  Confinement 
on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  Present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Klint  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Schoolmaster  in   £100 

John  Leonard  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his  Bail 
in   £100 

[358]  Resolved  that  Martin  Egbertse  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 


652 


State  of  New  York 


Mar8i2  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with 
Great  Britain.  — 

Martin  Egbertse  of  Schodack  Innkeeper  in.  .  £100 
Jacob    Schermerhorn   of  the   same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  John  Jerone  Van  Valkenburgh  be  dis- 
charged from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present 
war  with  Great  Britain.  — 

John  Jerone  Van  Valkenburgh  of  Schodack 
Farmer  in   £400 

Jacob   Schermerhorn   of  the   same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £400 

Resolved  that  Bowles  Arnold  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain. — 

Bowles  Arnold  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in  .  .  .  .  £100 

Reuben  Rowley  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

It  appearing  evident  to  this  Board  from  the  Examination 
of  Jonas  Odell  that  Augustus  Jeram  is  a  dangerous  and 
disaffected  Person  and  that  his  going  at  large  unless  under 
Restrictions  may  be  attended  with  evil  [359]  Consequences 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  653 


to  the  Safety  of  the  State   It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  »78i 

.  .  .         Mar.  1 

warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  John  May  for  the  immediate 
Apprehension  of  the  said  Augustus  Jeram.  — 

Adjourned.  — 

Met  Albany  13^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      (  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Seth  Rowley  be  cited  to  appear  forthwith 
before  the  Board  for  the  Purpose  of  being  examined  as  to 
sundry  Persons  concerned  in  distributing  about  the  Country 
Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Proclamation.  — 

Henry  Simpson  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor  of 
Rensselaerwyck  appeared  before  the  Board  &  informed  us 
that  a  few  days  ago  Evert  Jansen  came  to  his  House  in  a 
Sleigh  and  had  with  him  Joseph  Bettis  and  that  the  said 
Jansen  &  Bettis  after  remaining  there  sometime  went 
away  together  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Infor- 
mation that  the  said  Evert  Jansen  be  immediately  appre- 
hended and  brought  before  us.  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appearing  informed  the  Board  that  he  had 
agreeable  to  order  apprehended  Evert  Jansen  &  the  said 
Evert  Jansen  being  Examined  and  unwillingly  [sic]  to  answer 
candidly  to  the  Questions  proposed  to  him  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for 
him.  — 

Lieutenant  Nicholas  Bower  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  agreeable  to  the  Directions  of  [360] 
Samuel  Ten  Broeck  Esq^  he  had  brought  up  from  Liv- 
ingston's Manor  a  Prisoner  who  calls  himself  William 
Hartley  who  the  said  Samuel  Ten  Broeck  had  caused  to  be 
apprehended  as  a  Suspicious  Person  and  the  said  William 


1781 
Mar.  13. 


654 


State  of  New  York 


^781  Hartley  being  brought  before  the  Board  &  examined  re- 
solved that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made 
out  for  him.  — 

Resolved  that  David  Nichols  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with 
Great  Britain.  — 

David  Nichols  of  Stephen-town  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Ichabod  Turner  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Jacob  Freligh  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with  Great  Britain.  — 

Jacob  Freligh  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in.  .  .  £100 

Martin  Freligh  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

1781        [361]  Met  Albany  14th  March  1781. — 

Mar.  14. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  }       (  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       V     4  Visscher 
Samuel  Stringer      ;  I 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  Henry  Simpson 
that  Joseph  Bettis  has  been  harboured  by  One  Thomas  who 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  655 


lives  in  the  west  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  „I7Sl 

J        Mar  1 

on  a  Farm  formerly  belonging  to  Abraham  Boom  resolved 
in  Consequence  of  the  same  that  a  warrant  be  made  out 
directed  to  Jacob  Hilton  forthwith  to  apprehend  &  bring 
before  us  the  said  Thomas.  — 

Jacobus  Moll  who  was  the  other  Day  confined  being 
brought  before  the  Board  and  he  acknowledging  his  Fault 
and  promising  to  amend  his  Conduct  in  future  therefore 
resolved  that  he  be  discharged  from  Confinement  — 

William  Hartley  who  was  Confined  on  Suspicion  of  his 
being  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  was  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  and  then  ordered  to  be  recommitted.  — 

Resolved  that  Alamander  Cone  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with 
Great  Britain.  — 

Alamander  Cone  of  Stephen  Town  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Joiner  in   £100 

Ichabod  Cone  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   x>\oo 

[362]  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  having  requested 
the  Board  to  examine  William  Hartley  in  his  Presence  and 
his  Excellency  now  attending  for  that  Purpose  the  said 
William  Hartley  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  being 
Examined  says  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on 
File) 

It  appearing  from  the  above  Examination  that  Ryneir 
Vischer  of  this  City  is  concerned  with  other  disaffected 
Persons  in  endeavouring  by  enlisting  Men  for  the  enemy 
to  subvert  the  Liberty  and  Independance  of  this  State  and 
as  the  said  Ryneir  Visher  sustains  the  Character  of  dis- 


656 


State  of  New  York 


|78r  affection  therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out 
and  directed  to  Jacob  Kidney  for  the  immediate  appre- 
hension of  the  said  Ryneir  Vischer  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  15th  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  T        r\  t?  j 

.  \      1  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        j  ( 

Lieu-  Jacob  Snyder  of  Schohary  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  by  order  of  Col-  Peter  Vrooman  he 
had  apprehended  Hendrick  Kneiskern  Jun-  and  Jacob 
Saltsbergh  who  last  Fall  assisted  Sir  John  Johnson  in 
destroying  Schohary  and  the  said  Hendrick  Kneiskern  Jun-r 
and  Jacob  Saltsbergh  being  examined  resolved  that  they  be 
committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Resolved  that  the  Examination  of  Lieui  [363]  Jacob 
Snyder  with  Respect  to  the  Conduct  of  sundry  disaffected 
Persons  at  the  Bever  Dam  be  taken  which  is  in  the  words 
following  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File) 

Sander  Bulson  having  been  apprehended  with  those 
Persons  concerned  in  the  Rescue  of  Harpert  Lansing  and 
Andries  Stoll  and  Lieu-  Col1-  Henry  Van  Rensselaer  having 
certified  to  the  Board  that  the  Conduct  of  the  said  Sander 
Bulson  had  always  been  inoffensive  &  that  he  has  done  his 
duty  in  the  Militia  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 
from  Confinement. — 

Resolved  that  James  Bruce  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  be  cited  forthwith  to  appear 
before  this  Board  with  a  sufficient  surety  to  enter  into 
Recognizance  of  anew. — 

Samuel  Inglis  having  been  present  at  the  Meeting  at 


1781 
Mar.  15. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  657 


Tames  Lister's  at  which  was  read  a  Proclamation  of  Sir  *78i 

...  Mar.  1 

Henry  Clinton  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  the  Hoard 
appeared  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 
appearance  At  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  at  present 
held  in  the  City  Hall  of  this  City  then  and  there  to  answer 
such  Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave. — 

Samuel  Inglis  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Cooper  in   £100 

Abraham  Van  Aernam  who  was  apprehended  for  assisting 
in  the  Rescue  of  Lansing  and  Stoll  requesting  to  be  discharged 
from  Confinement  and  his  [364]  Conduct  notwithstanding 
his  Political  Principles  having  always  been  unexceptionable 
(expect1  in  the  present  Instance)  therefore  resolved  that  he 
be  discharged. — 

Adjourned. — 

Met  Albany  16th  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^.  ~  , 
•;  .  >      -j  Isaac  U.  .bonda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

William  Hartley  being  again  brought  before  the  Board  and 
examined  says  that  Nathaniel  Cotton  of  Cooksakie  is  con- 
cerned in  enlisting  Men  for  the  Service  of  the  enemy  and  that 
the  said  Cotton  furnished  him  with  a  Pass  to  travel  through 
the  Country  in  order  that  he  the  said  William  Hartley  might 
be  able  the  better  to  carry  on  his  Practices  against  the  State. — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that  a 
warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  John  Tillman  Jun-  forth- 
with to  apprehend  &  bring  before  us  the  said  Nathaniel 
Cotton. — 

1  So  in  the  original  for  "  except." 


1781 
Mar.  16. 


658 


State  of  New  York 


Resolved  that  Johannis  Kittle  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Johannis  Kittle  of  Schodack  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £200 

Philip  Schermerhorn  of  the  same  place  Cord 

wainer  his  Bail  in   £100 

[365]  Jacob  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  same 

place  Cordwainer  also  his  Bail  in   £100 

William  Hartley  having  also  informed  the  Board  that 
Samuel  Baker  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rens- 
selaerwyck  has  in  his  Possession  Commissions  from  New 
York  which  he  is  to  deliver  to  such  Persons  as  are  willing 
to  enlist  Men  for  the  Service  of  the  Enemy  and  that  he  has 
also  with  him  Proclamations  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton  which  he 
disperses  about  the  Country  and  Cap-  Nicholas  Staats 
having  been  requested  to  apprehend  the  said  Samuel  Baker 
and  bring  him  before  the  Board  this  day  appear'd  with  him 
and  the  said  Samuel  Baker  being  examined  Resolved  that 
he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for 
him. — 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Board  that  M—  Visscher  (Mother 
of  Ryneir  Visher  who  was  a  few  days  ago  confined)  is  on 
Account  of  the  confinement  of  her  said  son  reduced  to  a 
State  of  Indigence  and  want  as  she  with  her  Family  depend 
solely  upon  him  for  their  Support. — 

Resolved  therefore  that  the  said  Ryneir  Vischer  be  liberated 
from  Confinement  on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  &  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  659 


required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  M^8ll0 
Great  Britain. — 


Ryneir  Vischer  of  the  City  of  Albany  Silver 
Smith  in   £100 

Teunis  Visscher  of  the  same  place  Yeoman 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Peter  Wyngaert  be  discharged  from  [366] 
Confinement  on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great 
Britain  — 

Peter  Wyngaert  of  Schodack  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   i,  ioo 

Jacob  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  of  D-  Cord- 

wainer  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Philip  Schermerhorn  of  D°  D-  also  his 

Bail  in   £  50 

Adjourned. — 

Met  Albany  17^  March  1781  —  uU% 
John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Mathew  Visscher 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         f      (  Samuel  Stringer 

Jacob  Saltsbergh  of  Schohary  who  was  the  other  day 
confined  was  brought  before  the  Board  for  examination  and 
having  been  examined  was  ordered  to  be  Recommitted  — 

Resolved  that  Jacob  Weeger  Jun-  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  re- 
quired for  and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 


66o 


State  of  New  York 


T78i  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for  his  Appearance  at  the  next 
ar.  17.  .  rr 

Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New 
York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City  of  Albany  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall 
then  be  held  [367]  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such 
Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  depart 
the  Court  without  Leave. — 

Thomas  Weeger  Jun^  of  the  East  District  of 

the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in . .  £100 

Thomas  Weeger  of  Tomhenick  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  John  Cone  be  discharged  from  Confinement 
on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com 
missioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

John  Cone  of  Stephen  Town  Farmer  in. . . .  £100 
Benjamin  Sacket  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Johannis  Weeger  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  his  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain. — 

Johannis  Weeger  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

Coenradt  Heyner  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

John  May  appeared  before  the  Board  with  Jasper  Crandel 
and  Stephen  Wilcocks  who  he  informed  us  he  had  appre- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies     66 1 


hended  by  order  of  Daniel  Hull  Esq-  Justice  of  the  Peace  &  J781 

.  .  Mar.  17. 

the  said  John  May  at  the  same  time  laid  before  the  Board 

sundry  Examinations  taken  by  the  said  Daniel  Hull  respect- 
ing the  [368]  Conduct  of  the  said  Jasper  Crandell  and 
Stephen  Wilcocks  which  Examinations  being  read  and  it 
appearing  therefrom  that  the  said  Crandell  and  Wilcocks 
are  disaffected  and  dangerous  Persons  therefore  resolved 
that  they  be  committed  and  a  Mittimus  made  out  for 
them  — 

Adam  Pabst  heretofore  bound  by  Recognizance  being 
ordered  to  appear  before  this  Board  with  a  sufficient  surety 
to  enter  Recognizance  of  a  new  appeared  resolved  that 
he  be  bound  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain. — 

Adam  Pabst  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Andries  Ward  Jun-  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  18?"  March  1781  MaJ8ll8. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  T        r\  r?  1 
•i  .  >      <  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Daniel  Hewson  who  last  Year  went  to  Canada  from  this 
City  and  joined  the  Enemy  and  who  lately  surrendered  him- 
self at  Fort  Schuyler  being  brought  to  his  Excellency  Gov- 
ernor Clinton  and  he  referring  the  said  Daniel  Hewson  to 
this  Board  for  Examination  &  the  said  Daniel  Hewson 
being  examined  says  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  his  Examina- 
tion on  File) 


662 


State  of  New  York 


Ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  the  said  Daniel 
Hewson  — 

[369]  Nathaniel  Cotton  having  been  apprehended  by 
James  Green  by  order  of  this  Board  upon  the  Information  of 
William  Hartley  resolved  that  the  said  James  Green 
attend  with  the  said  Nathaniel  Cotton  before  this  Board  to 
Morrow  Morning. — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  19^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       I  T        t>  t-  j 
~  >      <  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Mathew  Visscher       )  ( 

Nathaniel  Cotton  who  was  Yesterday  brought  before  the 
Board  by  James  Green  being  again  produced  was  examined 
as  to  the  Charges  alledged  against  him  by  William  Hartley 
which  he  utterly  denying  and  producing  to  this  Board  a 
Recommendation  of  his  uniform  Attachment  to  the  Ameri- 
can Cause  signed  by  Leonard  Bronclc  Esqr  of  Cooksakie  in 
whose  House  the  said  Nathaniel  Cotton  has  for  two  Years 
past  resided  resolved  on  Considering  of  the  Above  Recom- 
mendation that  the  said  Nathaniel  Cotton  be  discharged.  — 

Daniel  Hewston  who  was  Yesterday  confined  being 
brought  before  the  Board  was  again  examined  ordered 
that  he  be  recommitted.  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  20-  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  T  t?  j 

ir  \      <  Isaac  D.  t  onda 

Mathew  Visscher       )  ( 

Resolved  that  Hendrick  Kittle  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  [370]  appear- 


1781 

Mar.  19. 


1781 
Mar.  20. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  663 


ance  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  at  the  Supream  M^820 
Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York 
at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court 
shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such 
Matters  as  shall  then  and  there  be  alledged  against  him  and 
not  to  depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Hendrick  Kittle  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

Jacob  J.  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  same  place 

Cordwainer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Nicholas  Shaver  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Nicholas  Shaver  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

John  Tillman  of  the  City  of  Albany  Inn- 
keeper his  Bail  in   £50 

Resolved  that  Isaac  Hops  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Appearance 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the 
State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall 
then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  and  not  to  depart  the 
Court  without  Leave  — 

Isaac  Hops  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

[371]  Barent  Heyner  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


664 


State  of  New  York 


*78i  Met  Albany  21S*  March  1781 

.Mar.  21.  t% 

rresent 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ~  _ 
•L  .  \        Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 


Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Jacob  Timmerman  Alias  Jacob  Carpenter 
be  discharged  from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appear- 
ing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain 

Jacob  Timmerman  alias  dictus  Jacob  Car- 
penter of  Hoosick  District  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Abraham  Bovee  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £  50 

Johannis  Daet  Junr  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
also  his  Bail  in   £  50 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  22^  March  1781 

Mar- 22  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  \  Samuel  Stringer 
Mathew  Visscher       )      (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Daniel  Hewston  being  again  ordered  to  be  brought  before 
the  Board  and  being  further  examined  ordered  that  he  be 
recommitted. — 

Resolved  that  John  Smith  be  discharged  from  [372]  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  to  appear  at  the 
next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State 
of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall 
then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such  Matters 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  665 


as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to  depart  the  Court  MaJ822 
without  Leave  and  in  the  Mean  time  be  of  the  good  Be- 
haviour — 

John  Smith  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

John  Freer  of  the  same  place   Weaver  his 

Bail  in   £100 

William  Hartley  being  ordered  to  be  brought  before  the 
Board  for  further  Examination  was  accordingly  brought 
and  examined  ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  William  Hartley 
that  John  Van  Deusen  of  Great  Barrington  living  near 
Monument  Mountain  is  possessed  of  Commissions  and  Proc- 
lamations which  he  has  received  from  the  Enemy  at  New 
York  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that 
a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Timothy  Edwards  Esq-  at  Stock- 
bridge  requesting  him  to  have  the  House  of  the  said  John 
Van  Deusen  searched  which  Letter  is  in  the  following  words 
(to  wit)  (here  take  in  Letter) 


Mar.  23. 


Adjourned 

Met  Albany  23d  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  \_      \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         \       {  Mathew  Visscher 

[373]  Resolved  that  Abraham  Roberts  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  appear- 
ance at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held 
for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the 
third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court 
shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such 


666 


State  of  New  York 


Mar823    Matters  as  snaH  De  alledged  against  him  and  not  to  depart 
the  Court  without  Leave.  — 

Abraham  Roberts  of  the  East  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

William  Van  Den  Bergh  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Labourer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Isaac  Vosburgh  of  the  west  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  also 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Coenradt  Colehamer  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  Stephenus  Colehamer  and  Paul  Snyder's 
entering  into  Recognizance  for  the  Appearance  of  the  said 
Coenradt  Colehamer  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judica- 
ture to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in 
this  City  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever 
the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to 
answer  to  such  Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  him 
and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Stephenus  Colehamer  of  the  East  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer 
Bail  for  Coenradt  Colehamer  in   £100 

Paul  Snyder  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also 

his  Bail  in   £100 

[374]  Resolved  that  Coenradt  Heydorn  be  discharged 
from  Confinement  on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his 
Appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be 
held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said 
Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to 
such  Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  667 


Coenradt  Heydorn  of  the  East  District  of  the  J78i 

.  Mar.  23. 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in  .  .  .  .  £100 
Petrus  Heydorn  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  24^  March  1 781  Mx781 

rresent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  j 
J         .  _   .  \      ]  Isaac  U.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Resolved  that  Stephen  Wilcocks  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain. — 
Stephen  Wilcocks  of  Little  Hosick  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Ephraim  Jackson  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Joseph  Crandell  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  [375]  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain.  — 

Jasper  Crandell  of  Little   Hosick  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Thomas  Crandell  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in  £100 

Resolved  that  Daniel  Hewson  ]un'-  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 


668 


State  of  New  York 


Mar824  °^  ^e  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Daniel  Hewson  Jun^  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Cordwainer  in   £100 

Casper  Cogh  of  Stonearabia  in  Tryon  County 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £  50 

John  Hoogkerk  of  Albany  Taylor  also  his 

Bail  in   £  50 

Adjourned 

M£J8*6  Met  Albany  26^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ~  , 
i        .  _   .  [      i  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

bamuel  Stringer         )  ( 

A  Certificate  signed  by  John  McKesson  Esq-  Clerk  of 
the  Supream  Court  was  laid  before  the  Board  certifying 
that  Christopher  File  (who  was  confined  for  being  concerned 
in  the  Rescue  of  Harpert  Lansing  and  Andries  Stoll)  has 
given  sureties  to  the  Court  for  his  good  Behaviour  in  future 
for  twelve  Kalander  Months  &  as  the  said  Christopher  File 
stands  Committed  by  Virtue  of  a  Mittimus  of  this  Board 
resolved  that  the  said  Mittimus  be  withdrawn  and  that  the 
said  Christopher  File  be  discharged  from  Confinement  ■ — 

[376]  Resolved  that  Isaac  Aarse  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  Abraham  Bloodgood  of  the  City  of  Albany 
entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  the  said  Isaac  Aarse's 
being  of  the  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Abraham  Bloodgood  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Innkeeper  as  Bail  for  Isaac  Aarse  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  669 


Resolved  that  Andries  Stoll  be  discharged  from  Confine-  „I7Sl, 

°       .  Mar.  26. 

ment  on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Appearance 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the 
State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall 
then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such  Matters 
as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  depart  the  Court 
without  Leave 

Andries  Stoll  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Blacksmith  in.  .  £100 

Henry  Dencker  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  27^?  March  1781  »78i 

PMar.  27. 
resent 

John  M.  Beeckman  [       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        \       (  [Stewart  Dean] 

A  Letter  from  the  Hon—  Brigadier  General  James 
Clinton  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs  us 
that  there  is  at  present  in  Goal  a  Prisoner  of  war  named 
John  Palmer  to  whose  liberation  from  Confinement  he  has 
no  [377]  Objection  provided  the  said  John  Palmer  procure 
Bail  to  this  Board  for  his  appearance  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  until 
exchanged  or  otherwise  discharged  from  his  Recognizance 
and  Volkert  A.  Douw  being  willing  to  become  surety  for  the 
said  John  Palmer  resolved  that  he  accordingly  enter  into 
Recognizance  for  the  appearance  of  the  said  John  Palmer 
as  above  mentioned  — 

Volkert  A.  Douw  of  the  City  of  Albany  as 

Bail  for  John  Palmer  in   £100 

A  Certificate  signed  by  Robert  Harper  Esq-  Clerk  of  the 


670 


State  of  New  York 


Council  of  Appointment  was  laid  before  the  Board  whereby 
it  appears  that  Stewart  Dean  Esq-  was  on  the  26—  day  of 
March  Instant  appointed  by  the  Hon—  the  Council  of 
Appointment  a  Commissioner  for  Conspiracies  for  this 
County  in  the  Stead  of  Mathew  Visscher  and  Jeremiah  Van 
Rensselaer  Esq-  who  have  resigned  in  Consequence  of  which 
said  Certificate  the  said  Stewart  Dean  took  the  Oath  of 
Office  as  prescribed  in  and  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this 
State  entitled  "  An  Act  for  appointing  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  and  declaring  their  Powers  "  and  took  his  Seat 
at  the  Board  accordingly  — 

Cap-  Ichabod  Turner  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  apprehended  Seth  Rowley  an 
Inhabitant  of  Stephen  Town  for  having  been  present  at  the 
Meeting  at  James  Lister's  and  for  being  one  of  the  Chief 
Promoters  in  having  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Proclamation 
read  at  the  said  Meeting  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said 
Meeting  that  the  said  Seth  Rowley  be  confined  and  that  a 
Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned. — 

[378]  Met  Albany  28^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        r\  t?  i 

>      ]  Isaac  D.  ^onda 
Stewart  Dean  )  ( 

John  Cobham  having  been  ordered  by  this  Board  not  to 
leave  this  City  without  our  Permission  and  appearing  this 
Day  before  us  requested  the  Liberty  of  going  to  Fort  Miller 
for  the  Purpose  of  settling  his  private  Business  resolved 
in  Consequence  of  the  said  Application  that  a  Permit  be 
granted  him  accordingly  — 

Col-  Veeder  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  us 


1781 
Mar.  28. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  671 


that  Philip  Cough  of  the  Hellebergh  lately  went  down  the  MI78lg 
Country  under  a  Pretence  of  going  to  Philadelphia  but  that 
it  appears  from  many  concurring  Circumstances  that  he  has 
been  at  New  York  and  that  the  said  Philip  Cough  took  with 
him  from  the  Hellebergh  a  woman  whose  Husband  is  gone 
off  to  the  Enemy  and  who  is  supposed  to  be  at  New  York 
resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that  the 
said  Philip  Cough  be  cited  forthwith  to  appear  before  this 
Board  to  answer  to  the  above  Charge. — 

Nicholas  Cluet  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  the 
Board  appearing  was  examined  as  to  the  Conduct  of  some 
disaffected  Persons  living  on  the  Nistageune  Road  — 

A  Letter  from  Jacob  Ford  Esq?"  of  Kings  District  was  laid 
before  the  Board  inclosing  sundry  Examinations  respecting 
the  Conduct  of  Ambrose  Vincent,  John  Mandigo  and  Stokes 
Potter  which  Letter  and  examinations  are  in  the  words 
following  (to  wit)    (See  Letter  and  Examinations  on  File) 

[379]  resolved  that  the  Consideration  of  the  above  Letter 
and  Examinations  be  postponed  untill  to  Morrow. — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  29^  March  1 781  1781 
Present  Mar-  29- 

John  M.  Beeckman  [      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        \       I  Stewart  Dean 

Resolved  that  Harpert  Lansing  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Appearance 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the 
State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City  of  Albany  on 
the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said 
Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer 
to  such  Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave. — 


672 


State  of  New  York 


*78i  Harpert  Lansing  of  the  East  District  of  the 

ar.  29.  1  0 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in  ...  .  £100 

Jacob   Vischer   of   Cooksborough    in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in  ...  .  £100 

The  Board  taking  into  Consideration  the  Letter  and 
Examinations  Yesterday  received  from  Jacob  Ford  Esq!  do 
resolve  on  Consideration  thereof  that  a  warrant  be  made 
out  for  the  Apprehension  of  Ambrose  Vincent,  John  Mandigo 
and  Stokes  Potter  — 

Resolved  that  the  above  warrant  be  transmitted  to  the 
said  Jacob  Ford  and  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  requesting  him 
to  have  the  same  served  as  soon  as  possible  and  that  he 
bind  over  the  Witnesses  against  the  said  Ambrose  Vincent, 
John  Mandigo  [380]  and  Stokes  Potter  to  appear  at  the  next 
Supream  Court  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  30^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  Stewart  Dean 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )      (  Samuel  Stringer 

Philip  Cough  who  was  on  the  28-  Instant  cited  to  appear 
before  this  Board  appearing  was  examined  and  it  appearing 
from  his  Examination  that  the  Charges  as  alledged  against 
him  by  Col-  Veeder  are  groundless  therefore  resolved  that  he 
be  discharged  — 

Peter  Livingston  of  the  Hellebergh  having  forfeited 
the  Recognizance  by  him  entered  into  before  this  Board 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  cited  to  appear  with  all  Con- 
venient speed  to  show  cause  why  the  same  should  not  be 
prosecuted  — 

The  Recognizance  of  Philip  Empey,  Johannis  Staring, 


1781 
Mar.  30. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  673 


Nicholas  Auk,  Peter  Fikes  and  Adam  Shaver  having  become  „1781 

.  .  Mar.  30. 

forfeited  to  the  State  by  their  going  to  and  Joining  the  enemy 
resolved  therefore  that  the  Secretary  to  this  Board  make 
out  the  said  Recognizance  in  order  that  the  Bails  may  be 
prosecuted  on  the  same  by  the  Attorney  General  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  31^  March  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         )       (  Stewart  Dean 

Resolved  that  Seth  Rowley  be  discharged  from  [381] 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  appear- 
ance at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for 
the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City  of  Albany 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said 
Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer 
to  such  Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Seth  Rowley  of  Stephen  Town  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Amos  Miner  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  having  received  Information  from  Cap-  John 
Van  Wie  that  the  two  sons  of  Hezekiah  Schoenmaker  are 
mising  and  that  there  is  Reason  to  suspect  they  are  gone  to  the 
Enemy  in  order  to  determine  which  it  is  resolved  that  a 
Citation  be  made  out  for  the  said  Hezekiah  Schoenmaker  to 
appear  before  this  Board  forthwith  in  order  that  he  may  be 
examined  as  to  the  same  — 

Adjourned  — 


1781 
Mar.  31. 


674  State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  2^  April  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  c  ~. 
J  .  V      <  Stewart  Dean 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Archibald  M?NeiI  of  the  Scotch  Patent  appeared  before 
the  Board  and  informed  us  that  agreeable  to  the  Tenor  of 
his  Recognizance  he  appeared  to  wait  the  further  Order  of  this 
Board  —  resolved  that  the  said  Archibald  M-Neil  remove 
with  his  Family  into  the  interior  Part  of  this  State  by  the 
i-  day  of  May  next  and  that  he  be  informed  [382]  that 
unless  he  complies  with  this  order  his  Recognizance  will  be 
prosecuted  — 

Neal  Shaw  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid  before  us  a 
Letter  from  James  Gillis  for  whom  he  is  surety  in  which 
Letter  the  said  Gillis  prays  that  his  non  Appearance  on  this 
day  may  not  be  construed  as  a  Forfeiture  of  his  Recog- 
nizance as  he  is  unable  to  come  on  Account  of  his  being 
indisposed  — 

Resolved  that  the  same  James  Gillis  be  also  ordered  by 
the  first  day  of  May  next  to  remove  with  his  Family  into  the 
Interior  parts  of  this  State  — 

Henry  Tinkey  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid  before 
us  a  Request  of  his  Bail  that  he  might  be  indulged  with 
Permission  to  remain  some  time  longer  at  home  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Henry  Tinkey  by  the  first  day 
of  May  next  also  remove  his  Effects  and  Family  into  the 
Interior  Parts  of  this  State  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  3^  April  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  \      \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )      (  Stewatt  Dean 


1 781 
Apr.  2. 


1781 
Apr.  3. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  675 


The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Df  George  J78i 
Smith  is  at  present  in  this  City  and  as  he  has  received  no 
Permission  from  this   Board  for  that  Purpose  therefore 
resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  the  Door  Keeper  be  ordered  to 
bring  the  said  D-  Smith  forthwith  before  us.  — 

[383]  D-  Smith  being  brought  before  the  Board  says  in 
Justification  of  his  Conduct  that  he  was  ordered  to  Town 
by  Gen!  Clinton  for  the  Purpose  of  preparing  himself  to  go 
to  Canada  in  order  to  his  being  exchanged  and  the  same 
being  deemed  Satisfactory  resolved  that  he  be  discharged 
and  Permission  be  granted  him  to  remain  in  Town  for 
eight  days  to  settle  his  Business  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany       April  1781  Apr? 5. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         i       I  Stewart  Dean 

Resolved  that  John  Hodkison  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
ioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  and 
remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  City  of  Albany  until 
exchanged  or  otherwise  discharged  by  this  Board  — 

John  Hodkison  of  the  City  of  Albany  La- 
bourer in   £100 

Rykert  Bovee  of  Maple  Town  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Captain  Benjamin  Du  Bois  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  the  Board  that  Samuel  Van  Buskerk,  Luke 
Dewitt  and  the  wife  of  Johan  Jurie  Fought  are  dangerous 
and  disaffected  Persons  whose  going  at  Large  may  be  danger- 
ous to  the  State.  — 


676 


State  of  New  York 


Ap^8lg  Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that 
a  warrant  be  made  out  for  them  and  That  Cap-  Du  Bois 
be  requested  to  have  the  same  served  — 

[384]  James  Brisben  who  was  by  Recognizance  bound  to 
remain  within  the  Limits  of  this  City  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  requested  Permission  to  go  to  Saragtoga  to  see 
his  Family  and  his  Bail  Peter  Sharp  consenting  thereto 
resolved  that  he  have  Permission  granted  him  accordingly 
untill  the  first  day  of  May  next  — 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  6^  April  1781 

Apr.  6.  Present 

Samuel  Stringer  )       (  T        ^  ~  , 
_  _     6     f      ]  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Stewart  Dean     )  ( 

John  Kerner  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  Frederick  Shaver  of  the  East  District  &  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  by  his  Conduct  &  Conversation 
daily  gives  Offence  to  the  well  affected  Subjects  of  the 
State  — 

Wherefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the 
Apprehension  of  the  said  Frederick  Shaver  and  that  the 
said  warrant  be  directed  to  the  said  John  Kerner  in  order 
that  he  may  serve  the  same  — 

A  Letter  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  to  the 
Honorable  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton  was  laid  before 
the  Board  by  Samuel  Stringer  Esq^  wherein  the  Governor  in- 
informs  that  he  has  received  Information  that  there  are  a 
number  of  Persons  who  last  Fall  came  from  the  Enemy  at 
the  Hellebergh  and  Places  Adjacent  and  recommending  it 
to  General  Clinton  to  detach  Parties  from  Kats  Kill,  Cook- 
sakie,  Schohary  and  from  this  place  for  the  purpose  [385] 
of  apprehending  all  such  persons  resolved  in  Consequence 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  677 


of  the  said  Letter  that  the  Hon—  Brigadier  Gen1-  Gansevoort  *781, 

.  APr-  6" 
be  sent  for  in  order  to  consult  wtih  him  as  to  the  Steps  neces- 
sary to  be  taken  in  carrying  the  above  plan  into  Execution  — 

Adjourned  1781 
Met  Albany  7^  April  1781  APr- 7- 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [      \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         \       (  Stewart  Dean 

Frederick  Shaver  having  been  apprehended  was  brought 
before  the  Board  and  being  examined  and  it  appearing  to 
us  necessary  that  the  said  Frederick  Shaver  be  laid  under 
a  Recognizance  therefore  resolved  that  previous  to  his  Dis- 
charge he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  — 

Frederick  Shaver  of  the  East  District  of  Rens- 

selaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

John  Kerner  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  agreeable  to  the  plan  Yesterday  adopted  by 
General  Gansevoort  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Major  Scher- 
merhorn  requesting  him  with  a  Party  of  Men  to  go  to  Coye- 
mans  in  order  to  apprehend  such  as  are  endeavouring  to 
escape  to  the  East  side  of  the  River  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  10^  April  1781  I78i 
Present  APr-  I0- 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       ( ~ 

i        t-v   t-     1  f      }  Stewart  Dean 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        )  ( 

[386]  William  Dewitt  appeared  before  the  Board  & 
brought  before  us  a  certain  person  who  he  had  apprehended 


678 


State  of  New  York 


Ap/8io  on  Suspicion  °f  bis  being  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  who  being 
examined  says  his  Name  is  Abel  Bacon  and  he  being  unable 
to  give  a  Satisfactory  Account  of  himself  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  confined  and  that  the  Goaler  be  directed  to  keep 
him  in  Custody  untill  he  shall  be  discharged  by  an  order 
of  this  Board  — 

Adjourned  — 

A^8lir<                        Met  Albany  April  1781 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  0  ^ 

~        ^  _                \  \  Stewart  Dean 

Isaac  u.  r  onda         )  ( 

M-  Fonda  informed  the  Board  that  he  had  received  Infor- 
mation that  Philip  Lansing  who  last  Spring  joined  the 
Enemy  is  come  from  Canada  and  is  supposed  to  be  on  his 
way  to  New  York  with  dispatches.  — 

Resolved  that  it  be  recommended  to  M-  Fonda  to  obtain 
the  fullest  Information  of  this  Matter  and  endeavour  if 
possible  to  have  the  said  Philip  Lansing  apprehended  — 

A  Letter  from  Captain  Ichabod  Turner  was  laid  before 
the  Board  informing  us  that  Seth  Rowley  who  was  by  us 
bound  for  his  Appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  has 
inlisted  in  the  nine  months  Service  and  recommending  it  to 
us  to  discharge  the  said  Seth  Rowley  from  that  Part  of  his 
Recognizance  requiring  his  Appearance  at  Court  and  we 
having  considered  the  Contents  of  the  said  Letter  do  resolve 
that  the  said  Seth  Rowley  be  discharged  accordingly  — 

[387]  Joseph  Hawkins  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
requested  from  us  Permission  to  go  and  look  for  a  Farm 
on  which  he  might  remove  his  Family  resolved  that  he  have 
leave  granted  him  accordingly.  — 

Adjourned.  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  679 


Met  Albany  12^  April  1781  1781 

n  Apr.  12. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        \        I  Stewart  Dean 

Robert  Kenneday  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid 
before  us  a  Letter  from  Col'  Anthony  Van  Bergen  wherein 
he  informs  us  that  he  sends  to  us  under  Guard  a  person 
who  he  has  had  apprehended  on  Suspicion  and  the  said 
person  being  brought  before  us  and  examined  says  his 
Name  is  Jonathan  OBrian  and  that  he  is  a  deserter  from 
Col-  James  Livingston's  Regiment  resolved  that  he  be 
confined  and  that  Col-  Livingston  be  informed  thereof.  — 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Hezekiah 
Schoenmaker  and  Henry  Schoenmaker  have  left  there 
places  of  abode  some  time  ago  in  order  to  avoid  doing 
Militia  Duty  and  paying  their  Rates  and  are  now  Secreted 
about  Cooksakie  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Infor- 
mation that  a  warrant  be  made  out  &  directed  to  Robert 
Kenneday  of  Cooksakie  to  apprehend  the  said  Hezekiah 
Schoenmaker  and  Henry  Schoenmaker  and  forthwith  bring 
them  before  us  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City.  — 

Adjourned  — 

[388]  Met  Albany  13*  April  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         \       (  Stewart  Dean 

Brigadier  General  James  Clinton  laid  before  the  Board 
a  letter  received  by  him  from  Teunis  Van  Wagenen  at  Cats 
Kill  dated  12-  Instant  in  which  he  informs  him  that  agree- 
able to  his  Directions  he  had  proceeded  to  the  Westward 
with  a  Party  of  Men  and  has  apprehended  Jurry  Hoofman, 


68o 


State  of  New  York 


1781  Frederick  Lobus,  Frederick  Schraader  and  Tohannis  Vro- 
Apr.  13.  '  J 

bert  who  say  they  were  taken  prisoners  at  the  Surrender  of 
Burgoyne,  John  Carrigill  and  James  Davidson  Deserters 
from  the  Continental  Army  and  Peter  Laraway  and  Luke 
Dewitt  Inhabitants  of  this  County  and  they  being  severally 
brought  before  us  and  examined  resolved  that  they  be  com- 
mitted except  John  Carrigill  who  producing  a  Furlough 
from  Cap-  Jansen  of  Col-  Van  Schaick's  Regiment  was  dis- 
charged   ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Samuel  Stringer  Esq-  laid  before  the  Board  an  Extract  of  a 
Letter  from  the  Honorable  Major  General  Heath  setting  forth 
that  two  Men  have  lately  leftNew  York  with  Dispatches  for  Can- 
ada and  containing  a  Description  of  their  Persons  and  Dress. — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  same  that  Letters  be 
wrote  to  Col1  Abraham  Wempell  at  Schenectady,  Major 
Ezekiel  Taylor  at  Stillwater  and  to  the  Commanding  Officer 
at  Saragtoga  informing  them  of  the  same  and  requesting  them 
to  use  every  possible  Means  to  apprehend  those  Persons.  — 

[389]  Abel  Bacon  who  was  on  the  10—  Instant  confined 
on  Suspicion  of  his  being  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  was  brought 
before  the  Board  and  it  appearing  to  us  from  sundry  Cir- 
cumstances that  the  said  Bacon  is  no  other  than  one  of  those 
infatuated  People  denominated  Shaking  Quakers  and  that 
he  was  on  his  way  to  Nistageune  therefore  resolved  that  the 
said  Abel  Bacon  be  discharged  and  be  ordered  not  to  frequent 
those  parts  in  future  on  any  Pretence  whatever  unless  he  is 
furnished  with  proper  Credentials  of  his  attachment  to  the 
American  Cause.  — 

Adjourned. — 
1781  Met  Albany  14-  April  178 1 

APr-  I4"  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Samuel  .Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       (  Stewart  Dean 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiraeies     68 1 


The  Board  having  received  Information  that  there  is  at   .  J781 


Apr.  14. 


present  in  Town  a  person  who  passes  by  the  Name  of  Henry 
Thiell  who  is  endeavouring  to  depreciate  the  Money  emitted 
agreeable  to  a  Resolution  of  Congress  of  the  18-  day  of 
March  1780  by  exchanging  three  pounds  of  the  said  Money 
for  one  Pound  in  Specie  and  it  appearing  from  other  Cir- 
cumstances and  also  from  the  Examinations  of  John  Lansing 
Jun-  Esq-  ,  John  H.  Wendell  Esq^  and  James  Dennison  that 
the  said  Henry  Thiell  is  a  Suspicious  person  therefore  re- 
solved that  he  be  sent  for  and  examined  — 

The  above  mentioned  Henry  Thiell  appearing  &  being 
examined  says  he  is  lately  from  Philadelphia  and  that  he 
came  to  this  place  to  settle  his  private  Business  — 

Resolved  on  Considering  the  above  that  the  said  Henry 
[390]  Thiell  enter  into  a  Recognizance  to  appear  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called 
upon  and  that  he  do  not  depart  beyond  the  Limits  of  this 
City  without  Leave  previously  obtained  from  this  Board  — 

Henry  Thiell  of  Philadelphia  in  the  State 

of  Pensylvania  Blacksmith  in   £500 

Hugh  Dennison  of  the  City  of  Albany  Inn- 
holder  his  Bail  in   £500 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  15^  April  1781  ^81 
Present  pr'  I5' 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       {  Stewart  Dean 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         \       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Lieu-  Col'  Barent  Staats  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  there  is  at  present  at  the  House  of 
James  Watson  living  on  the  Road  to  Coyemans  a  Person  who 
appears  very  Suspicious  who  has  been  there  four  or  five  days 
that  he  supposes  the  said  person  is  a  Spy  from  the  Enemy — 


682 


State  of  New  York 


T78i  Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that 
Lieu-  Coenrad  Gansevoort  be  requested  to  take  three  or  four 
Men  of  Col1  Cuyler's  Regiment  and  endeavour  to  apprehend 
the  said  Person 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  16^  April  1781  — 

[Present] 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         )       (  Stewart  Dean 

Lieu-  Gansevoort  who  at  the  Request  of  this  Board  went 
with  a  Party  of  Men  to  apprehend  the  Person  Yesterday 
described  by  Col1  Staats  appearing  informed  us  that  having 
[391]  last  Night  apprehended  the  said  Person  and  brought 
him  to  Town  for  the  Purpose  of  confining  him  the  said 
Person  had  made  his  Escape  — 

Resolved  thereupon  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Cap-  Van 
Wie  to  request  him  With  a  Party  of  his  Company  to  en- 
deavour if  possible  to  apprehend  him  — 

A  Letter  from  Zepheniah  Batchelor  Esq'  was  laid  before 
the  Board  dated  the  14-  Instant  wherein  he  informs  us  that 
William  Laird  and  Df  Tice  are  still  in  the  Neighbourhood 
of  Johnstown  and  recommending  it  to  have  them  apprehended 
and  we  having  good  Reason  to  think  that  they  intend  to  go 
and  join  the  Enemy  this  Spring  resolved  therefore  that  a  War- 
rant be  made  out  for  the  Apprehension  of  the  said  William 
Laird  and  D[  Tice  &  that  the  same  be  forwarded  to  the 
said  Zepheniah  Batchelor  in  order  that  it  may  be  served  — 
Mathew  Visscher  Esq'  laid  before  the  Board  a  Letter  from 
William  Whiting  EsqT  dated  at  Great  Barrington  the  5^  Instant 
which  is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (see  Letter  on  File) 

Adjourned  — 


1781 
Apr.  16. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  683 


Met  Albany  17^  April  1 781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Stewart  Dean 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Major  Reed  laid  before  the  Board  a  Letter  from  the 
Honorable  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton  wherein  the 
General  requests  that  DT  George  Smith  may  have  Liberty 
to  remove  with  his  Family  and  Effects  to  the  New  City 
and  that  he  be  under  the  same  Restrictions  he  is  now  under 
until  he  is  exchanged  resolved  that  the  same  be  taken  into 
Consideration  — 

[392]  Serjeant  Soal  appeared  before  the  Board  &  informed 
us  that  he  had  apprehended  Thomas  Gleason  the  Person  who 
Yesterday  made  his  Escape  from  Lieu^  Gansevoort  and  the 
said  Thomas  Gleason  being  brought  in  and  examined  resolved 
that  he  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  the  above  mentioned 
Gleason  and  from  sundry  other  Circumstances  that  James 
Watson  who  was  confined  for  harbouring  the  said  Gleason 
was  no  way  concerned  or  privy  to  any  Part  of  the  Conduct 
of  the  said  Gleason  but  as  the  said  James  Watson  has  always 
sustained  the  Character  of  a  disaffected  Person  therefore 
resolved  that  previous  to  his  Discharge  he  enter  into  Recogni- 
zance for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  for  and  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

James  Watson  of  the  west  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Innkeeper  in. . .  £100 

Volkert  A.  Douw  of  the  City  of  Albany  Gentle- 
man his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 


1781 
Apr.  17. 


684 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  18^  April  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeekman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       (  Stewart  Dean 

Two  Affidavits  of  Carrel  Nier  and  Jacob  Nier  taken 
before  the  said  Johannis  Van  Deusen  Esq-  were  laid  before 
the  Board  which  Affidavits  set  forth  that  they  the  said  Carrel 
Neir  and  Jacob  Neir  having  apprehended  Harmen  [393] 
Haver  by  virtue  of  a  warrant  from  this  Board  and  being  on 
their  way  With  him  to  Albany  that  Hendrick  Platner  and 
Jacob  Platner  of  Claverack  did  advise  the  said  Harmen 
Haver  to  make  his  Escape  and  that  they  called  the  said 
Haver  out  of  the  House  in  order  the  better  to  enable  him  to  do 
it  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Affidavits  that  an 
Order  be  made  out  to  the  said  Hendrick  and  Jacob  Platner 
forthwith  to  deliver  up  to  this  Board  the  said  Harmen  Haver — 
Resolved  that  Hendrick  Knieskern  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon 
for  and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain 

Hendrick    Knieskern   of  Schohary  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

William  Knieskern  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

A  Letter  from  Johannis  Van  Dusen  and  Lowrence  Fonda 
Esq-  Justices  of  the  Peace  dated  at  Claverack  the  15— 
Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  they  inform  us  that 
they  send  to  us  the  Examinations  of  several  disaffected 
Persons  and  two  Men  as  Prisoners  named  Teunis  Reipen- 
bergh  and  Jacob  M.  Hoogteling  who  they  suspect  have  been 


1781 
Apr.  18. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  685 


concerned  in  the  Robbery  committed  on  Cap-  Casparus  A*J8*& 
Conyne  resolved  that  the  said  Teunis  Reipenbergh  &  Jacob 
M.  Hoogteling  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out 
for  them  — 

Resolved  that  James  Watson  Jun^  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  [394] 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

James  Watson  Jun-  of  the  West  District  of 

the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Labourer  in.  £100 

Barent  I.  Staats  of  the  same  place  Esq?" 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  19^  April  1781  —  Apr^ig 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         \       {  Stewart  Dean 

Jacob  Saltsbergh  who  last  Fall  came  with  Sir  John 
Johnson  and  was  at  the  destruction  of  Schohary  was  brought 
before  the  Board  and  Examined  his  examination  is  as  follows 
(to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File)  ordered  that  he  be 
recommitted  — 

Samuel  Stringer  Esq-  laid  before  the  Board  an  Examina- 
tion of  George  Boarck  taken  by  Hezekiah  Van  Orden  Esq^ 
from  which  it  appears  that  Abraham  Person  Junr  and 
Abraham  Dewit  intend  to  go  off  and  join  the  Enemy  when- 
ever a  fit  Oppertunity  shall  present  resolved  in  Consequence 
of  the  same  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Lieu-  Teunis  Van 
Wagenon  at  Cats  Kill  to  request  him  to  have  the  said  Abra- 
ham Person  Jun-  and  Abraham  DeWit  apprehended  and 
forthwith  sent  to  us  — 


686 


State  of  New  York 


1781         Information  having  been  received  that  a  certain  Tohn  Cole 

Apr.  19.  o  J 

is  lately  come  from  New  York  and  is  at  present  in  the  East 
Camp  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information 
that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Cap-  Tiel  Rockefeller  requesting 
him  [395]  to  apprehend  the  said  John  Cole  and  forthwith 
bring  him  before  us 

Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  William  Whiting  Esq- 
at  Great  Barrington  inclosing  a  Description  of  a  certain 
William  Scott  who  frequently  goes  to  New  York  and  returns 
with  false  Continental  Money  and  requesting  him  to  have 
the  said  William  Scot  apprehended  which  Letter  is  in  the 
words  following  (to  wit)    (see  Copy  Letter  on  File)  — 

Adjourned 

I78l  Met  Albany  20^  April  1781 

Apr.  20.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Stewart  Dean 

Benjamin  Randell  and  Stephen  Randell  appeared  before 
the  Board  and  informed  us  that  Jacob  Best  of  Hosick  has 
harboured  and  secreted  in  his  House  John  Ruyter  formerly 
an  Inhabitant  of  Hosick  who  at  the  Time  he  was  so  secreted 
by  the  said  Jacob  Best  was  a  Captain  in  the  British  Service 
which  Charge  they  say  can  be  plainly  and  Satisfactorily 
proved  by  Peter  Crandell  and  Hugh  Baily  — 

And  the  said  Benjamin  Randell  and  Stephen  Randell 
further  inform  that  John  Babcock  Joseph  Allport  and 
Dennis  Dun  are  disaffected  Persons  and  that  they  have  v 
drank  the  Kings  Health  and  that  Jacob  Lantman  also  is  a 
dangerous  and  disaffected  Person  who  in  the  Year  1777 
when  General  Burgoyne  came  down  did  assist  in  murdering 
some  men  who  had  been  driving  Cattle  to  General  Gates's 
Army  and  that  Stephen  Card  has  advised  many  Persons  to 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  687 


accept  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Proclamations  telling  them  it  r78i 
contained  Offers  of  [396]  Peace  and  that  it  would  be  the  last 
Time  that  any  would  be  made  and  that  Elisha  Runnels  & 
Thomas  Stephens  were  present  when  the  said  Stephen  Card 
made  use  of  those  Expressions  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that 
a  Warrant  be  made  out  for  the  immediate  apprehension  of  the 
said  John  Babcock,  Dennis  Dun,  Stephen  Card  andjacob 
Lantman  and  that  the  same  be  directed  to  Jacob  Kidney 
Constable  — 

Thomas  Gleason  who  was  the  other  day  committed  to  Goal 
requested  to  be  brought  before  the  Board  in  order  to  give 
some  Information  respecting  William  Hartley  &  he  being 
brought  in  and  Examined  says  that  a  certain  Man  of  the 
Name  of  Butler  has  brought  a  Letter  to  the  said  Hartley  & 
that  the  said  Hartley  was  to  write  an  answer  which  said 
Butler  was  to  call  for  —  Ordered  that  the  said  Thomas 
Gleason  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  n«  April  1781  ApKi. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [      \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         )      }  Stewart  Dean 

Jacob  Kidney  appeared  before  the  Board  &  informed  us 
that  he  had  apprehended  Jacob  Lantman,  John  Babcock, 
Dennis  Dun  and  Stephen  Card  and  they  being  severally 
examined  and  denying  the  Charge  alledged  against  them 
and  offering  to  disprove  the  same  resolved  therefore  that 
they  be  severally  bound  by  Recognizance  to  appear  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  [397]  at 
the  City  Hall  in  this  [City]  on  Wednesday  next  and  that  in  the 
mean  Time  they  be  of  the  good  Behaviour  — 


688 


State  of  New  York 


1781 

Apr.  21. 


jdv_uD  j-yantrndn  01  oosick.  in  tne  v^ounty  01 

£ioo 

^/l  1  f*n    Pi   1  d  n  fm  q  n  or   trip  cn  mp  nlarp   Ha  rm  pr 
IV±l\_lia.Cl   l^U  1 1  Lillall  KJl     II  1 C   Gallic    UlatC   1  alillCI 

nic   r?  1 1 1  in 

jonn  OdDcoLK  01  jnosiLK  in  tne  v^ounty  or 

Albany  Farmer  in  

£ioo 

lYI  l rn ^ pi   1  q  n rm o  r>  nf  t co  m p  nn  r*p  n  q  rm pr 

his  Rail  in 

■f  t  no 

L/ennis  uun  oi  nosicK  in  tne  v^ounty  oi 

Albany  Farmer  in  

Johannis  Duet  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in  

£ioo 

Stephen  Card  of  Hosick  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Farmer  in  

£l00 

Daniel  Kyneir  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in  

£l00 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  Information  Yesterday 
given  by  Benjamin  Randell  and  Stephen  Randell  that  a 
warrant  be  made  out  for  the  Apprehension  of  Jacob  Best 
and  Joseph  Allport  of  Hosick  District  and  that  the  same  be 
delivered  to  the  said  Benjamin  Randell  in  Order  to  have  it 
V  served  — 

Samuel  Stringer  Esq^  informed  the  Board  that  he  had 
advanced  to  Peter  Seeger  Eight  New  Emission  Dollars  for 
the  Purpose  of  apprehending  Joseph  Bettis  ordered  that  he  be 
credited  for  the  same  — 1 

Resolved  that  Peter  Crandell,  Hugh  Baily,  John  Ryley, 
Oliver  Bartley,  Elisha  Reynolds,  Thomas  Stephens,  and 

1  Included  in  Stringer's  sworn  statement,  October  21/1784,  in  Revolutionary 
Manuscripts,  vol.  40,  p.  160,  Stale  Comptroller's  office. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  689 


Samuel  Shaw  be  cited  to  appear  before  this  Board  on  Wednes-  x78i 

Apr.  2 

day  next  in  order  to  support  the  Charges  before  us  exhibited 
by  Benjamin  Randell  and  Stephen  Randell  against  the  said 
Jacob  Lantman,  John  Babcock,  Dennis  Dun,  Stephen 
Card,  Jacob  Best  and  Joseph  Allport  — 

Thomas  Butler  of  Hosick  District  having  been  [398] 
apprehended  on  the  Information  Yesterday  given  to  this 
Board  by  Thomas  Gleason  and  being  Examined  as  to  the 
same  positively  denies  the  Charge  but  as  there  is  great 
Reason  to  imagin  from  the  Character  of  disaffection  hitherto 
sustained  by  the  said  Thomas  Butler  that  what  has  been 
alledged  against  him  is  true  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Harmen  Haver  who  the  Board  were  on  the  18-  Instant 
Informed  had  made  his  Escape  from  the  Guard  who  had 
apprehended  him  appeared  this  day  and  surrendered  him- 
self up  to  us  and  produced  Certificates  of  several  of  the 
Officers  of  the  Regiment  to  which  he  belongs  of  his  having 
behaved  himself  as  a  peaceable  and  quiet  Inhabitant  & 
that  he  has  ever  done  his  duty  as  a  good  Subject  of  the 
State  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Recommenda- 
tions that  the  said  Harmen  Haver  be  discharged  until  the 
further  order  of  this  Board  — 

Adjourned  — 


Met  Albany  23?  April  1781  —  ApT^a 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       (  Stewart  Dean 

Cap1  Benjamin  Du  Bois  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  agreeable  to  our  warrant  appre- 
hended Luke  De  Wit  and  the  said  Luke  De  Wit  being  pro- 


690 


State  of  New  York 


I78i  duced  and  examined  acknowledges  that  he  drank  King 
Apr.  23.  n        ,   „    .  .  fe  6 

George  s  Health 

Resolved  that  he  be  Confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be 
made  out  for  him  — 

[399]    A  Number  of  Germans  who  belonged  to  Gen1- 
Burgoyne's  Army  having  been  apprehended  on  account  of 
their  Inimical  Conduct  and  Conversation  &  being  brought 
before  the  Board  and  examined  resolved  that  they  be  com- 
mitted until  the  further  Order  of  this  Board  — 

Adjourned 

Ajr825.  Met  Albany  25^  April  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         )       (  Stewart  Dean 

The  German  Prisoners  who  were  examined  on  the  23? 
Instant  being  again  Brought  before  the  Board  &  it  appear- 
ing that  some  of  them  are  Deserters  and  that  others  are 
Prisoners  of  War  resolved  therefore  that  it  be  recommended 
to  the  Honorable  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton  that  he 
discharge  such  of  the  said  Germans  as  are  Deserters  and 
that  he  discharge  also  such  of  the  said  Prisoners  of  War  as 
are  recommended  by  Persons  who  are  well  Attached  to  the 
American  Cause  — 

Adjourned  — 

8l  Met  Albany  26^  April  1 781  — 

Apr.  26.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         )      \  Stewart  Dean 

Peter  Crandell  appeared  before  the  Board  agreeable  to  our 
order  of  the  21^  Instant  and  being  examined  under  oath 
says  that  Jacob  Lantman  last  Summer  when  ordered  out 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  691 


with  a  Party  of  Militia  to  apprehend  some  Persons    [400]  *78i 

.  Apr.  26. 

who  were  come  from  Canada  said  that  he  would  not  go 
after  such  Persons  and  that  he  did  not  look  upon  them  as 
Enemies.  Resolved  In  Consequence  of  the  said  Examina- 
tion, that  the  said  Jacob  Lantman,  be  bound  by  Recog- 
nizance, for  his  good  Behaviour,  doing  his  duty,  and  ap- 
pearing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies, when  called  upon  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  Lantman  of  Hosick  in  the  Cou[n]ty  of 
Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Michael  Lantman  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Cap^  Joshua  Babcock  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  agreeable  to  our  warrant  he  had  appre- 
hended Jacob  Best  and  the  said  Jacob  Best  being  brought 
before  us  and  examined  and  it  appearing  from  his  Exami- 
nation that  the  charge  alledged  against  him  is  well  founded 
therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Jacob  Best  enter  into  a 
Recognizance  for  his  good  behaviour  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  and  also  for  his  appearance  at  the 
Supream  Court  of  Judicature  now  held  at  the  City  Hall  in 
this  City  to  answer  to  such  Matters  as  shall  then  and  there 
be  alledged  against  him  and  not  depart  the  Court  without 
Leave  — 

Jacob  Best  of  Little  Hosick  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Isaac  Vosburgh  of  the  west  district  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Brick  Maker  his 
Bail  in   £100 


692 


State  of  New  York 


pj8l6  [401]  John  Babcock  appeared  before  the  Board  &  being 
examined  as  to  the  Charge  alledged  against  him  of  drinking 
the  King's  Health  utterly  denied  the  same  and  requested 
that  Jacob  Best  might  be  examined  under  Oath  as  to  the 
Truth  of  his  Assertions  and  the  said  Jacob  Best  being 
Examined  says  that  he  was  present  when  John  Allport 
drank  the  king's  Health  in  Babcock's  presence  and  that  the 
said  John  Babcock  instead  of  joining  with  the  said  Allport 
reprimanded  him  for  doing  it  resolved  that  the  said  John 
Babcock  attend  at  this  Board  to  Morrow  Morning  — 

Cap^  John  Ryley  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before 
this  Board  to  give  Information  respecting  John  Babcock 
&  others  appeared  and  being  examined  says  that  last  New 
Years  day  he  was  at  the  House  of  the  said  Babcock  and 
that  the  said  Babcock  together  with  Dennis  Dun,  Jacob 
Best,  and  John  Allport  did  in  his  Hearing  drink  the  king's 
Health  resolved  that  the  said  John  Ryley  be  directed  to 
attend  the  Grand  Jury  in  Order  to  give  them  the  above 
Information  — 

Thomas  Butler  who  was  the  other  day  confined  on  the 
Information  of  Thomas  Gleason  was  brought  before  the 
Board  and  nothing  further  appearing  against  him  therefore 
resolved  that  he  be  discharged  on  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance with  sufficient  Sureties  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for  and  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 
Thomas  Butler  of  Hosick  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Innkeeper  in   £100 

Joshua  Babcock  of  the  same  place  Cord- 

wainer  his  Bail  in   £100 

John  Randell  of  the  same  place  Farmer  also 

his  Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  693 


[402]    Stephen  Card  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid  A^8^6 
before  us  sundry  Certificates  of  his  Attachment  to  the 
American  Cause    Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said 
Certificates  that  the  said  Stephen  Card  be  discharged. 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  27^  April  1781  —  «78* 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )       \  Stewart  Dean 

John  Babcock  appeared  before  the  Board  agreeable  to 
our  order  of  Yesterday  resolved  that  the  said  John  Bab- 
cock enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Appearance  at  the 
Supream  Court  of  Judicature  at  present  held  in  the  City 
Hall  of  this  City  then  and  there  to  answer  to  such  Matters 
as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to  depart  the  Court 
without  leave  — 

John  Babcock  of  Hosick  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Innkeeper  in   £100 

Joshua  Babcock  of  the  same  place  Cord-  . 

wainer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Dennis  Dun  also  appearing  agreeable  to  our  order 
resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  Appear- 
ance at  the  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  at  present  held 
at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  to  answer  to  such  Matters  a[s] 
shall  be  then  and  there  alledged  against  him  and  not  to 
depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Dennis  Dun  of  Hosick  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Michael  Lantman  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  John  An- 
drew of  Newtown  has  this  Morning  acknowledged  [403] 


694 


State  of  New  York 


1781  himself  a  King's  Man  resolved  in  consequence  of  the  said 
Information  that  the  said  John  Andrew  be  forthwith  appre- 
hended by  Jacob  Kidney  and  brought  before  us  — 

Thomas  Butler  who  was  Yesterday  liberated  from  Con- 
finement appeared  before  the  Board  and  produced  two 
Certificates  the  one  signed  by  the  Selectmen  and  several 
Militia  Officers  of  the  Township  of  Worthington  in  the 
County  of  Hampshire  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  setting  forth  that  the  said  Thomas  Butler  has 
from  the  Commencement  of  the  present  Contest  behaved 
himself  as  a  Zealous  and  firm  Friend  to  the  American 
Cause,  the  other  signed  by  several  Militia  Officers  &  other 
well  affected  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Hosick  and  the 
same  being  read  and  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  in 
Consequence  thereof  that  the  said  Thomas  Butler  be  and 
he  is  hereby  discharged  from  the  Recognizance  entered  into 
by  him  before  this  Board  on  the  26th  Instant  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appeared  with  John  Andrew  whom  agree- 
able to  our  order  he  had  apprehended  resolved  that  the  said 
John  Andrew  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made 
out  for  him  — 

Samuel  Stringer  Esq?"  informed  the  Board  that  he  has 
received  Information  that  Simeon  Smith  of  Pits  Town  Inn- 
keeper entertains  disaffected  Persons;  drink's  King  George's 
health  and  speaks  disrespectfully  of  the  Authority  of  this 
State,  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that  a 
warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Lieutenant  Jonathan  Brown 
forthwith  to  apprehend  and  bring  before  us  the  said  Simeon 
Smith  — 

Resolved  that  a  Citation  be  sent  to  Jonathan  Brown  [404] 
William  McCoy  and  Mary  Sawyer  to  appear  before  the 
Board  forthwith  to  prove  the  Charges  above  alledged  against 
the  said  Simeon  Smith. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  695 


Lieu-  Jacob  Platner  and  Hendrick  Platner  appeared  before 
the  Board  and  being  questioned  as  to  their  advising  Harmen 
Haver  to  make  his  Escape  from  the  Guard  who  had  him  in 
Custody  the  said  John  Platner  acknowledges  he  did  Advise 
Harmen  Haver  to  go  home  and  obtain  a  Certificate  from  his 
Officers  of  his  Conduct  and  then  deliver  himself  up  to  the 
Commissioners  at  Albany  and  the  said  Jacob  Platner  having 
always  sustained  an  Irreproachable  Character  and  Hendrick 
Platner  appearing  no  way  concerned  in  the  affair  therefore 
resolved  that  the  said  Jacob  Platner  and  Hendrick  Platner  be 
discharged 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  30th  April  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman 
Samuel  Stringer 


1781 
Apr.  27. 


Stewart  Dean 


Berijah  Tyler  appeared  before  the  Board  and  produced 
a  Letter  signed  by  Stephen  Salisbury  and  William  Dawes 
dated  at  Worcester  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  on  the 
25  Instant  setting  forth  that  Thomas  Glason  who  was  by 
Our  order  apprehended  and  confined  is  of  an  infamous 
Character  and  that  he  has  lately  enlisted  for  three  Years  to 
serve  in  the  Continental  Army  ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Letter  that  an  Order 
be  sent  to  James  Watson  to  deliver  up  to  Berijah  Tyler  the 
Horse  of  the  said  Thomas  Gleason  by  us  Committed  to  his 
Care  [405]  on  the  said  Tyler's  paying  the  Charges  accrued 
in  keeping  said  Horse  — 

Resolved  that  Jacob  Saltsbergh  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  his  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners   for   Conspiracies  when  thereunto 


1781 
Apr.  30. 


696 


State  of  New  York 


1781  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
P   3     Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  Saltsbergh  of  the  Bever  Dam  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Jacob  Cuyler  of  the  City  of  Albany  Mer- 
chant his  Bail  in   £100 

Whereas  there  are  several  Families  remaining;  settled  on 
the  North  side  of  Hudsons  River  in  and  about  Jessup's 
Patent,  who  are  all  disaffected;  and  this  Board  conceiving 
it  highly  improper  they  should  be  let  to  remain  there  — 

Have  resolved,  that  it  is  necessary,  for  the  Safety  of  those 
Frontiers,  that  all  the  said  Families  be  ordered  forthwith  to 
remove  from  thence  with  all  their  Effects  down  into  the 
Interior  parts  of  the  Country,  without  delay;  and  that  all 
Boats,  Canoes,  or  other  Conveniences,  for  the  purpose  of 
Crossing  the  River,  and  which  can  be  found  on  either  side 
of  the  same,  be  destroyed,  and  that  all  the  Males  of  16  Years 
old  and  upwards,  be  ordered  to  appear  before  this  Board  on 
or  before  the  20—  day  of  May  next  at  their  peril  — 

And  whereas  this  Board  has  received  Information  that 
there  are  a  Number  of  Tory  Women  (whose  Husbands  have 
joined  the  Enemy)  residing,  and  going  from  parts  below  to 
reside,  above  Saragtoga  which  this  Board  from  Manifest 
Reasons  disapprove  of;  therefore  Resolved,  that  the  said 
Women  be  all  brought  down  below  Saragtoga  and  ordered 
there  to  Remain  as  they  will  answer  they  [sic]  Contrary  at 
their  Peril;  until  they  shall  receive  [406]  further  Instructions 
from  this  Board  or  from  some  other  proper  Authority  — 

Resolved  that  Brigadier  General  Clinton  be  requested  by 
this  Board,  to  issue  an  Order  to  the  Officer  commanding  at 
Saragtoga  to  have  the  above  necessary  Resolves  executed; 
and  that  a  List  of  all  such  Persons  as  may  be  removed  and 
brought  down  as  aforesaid  be  handed  to  this  Board,  with  any 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  697 


Information  that  may  be  collected  and  thought  worthy  of  Al^l30 
their  Attention  towards  the  wellfare  of  the  State  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  Is*  May  1781—  J7«i 
„  j  j     1  May  1. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 


Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (  Stewart  Dean 

A  Letter  from  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  dated 
at  Schenectady  the  26-  April  last  was  laid  before  the 
Board  which  Letter  is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (See 
Letter  on  File)  — 

Andries  Cogh,  Andries  Wolters,  George  Pattshold  and 
Johan  Hendrick  Zachariah  Bause,  German  Prisoners  of  war 
having  been  apprehended  by  order  of  General  Clinton  and 
confined  and  the  General  being  of  Opinion  that  they  may  be 
serviceable  to  the  Country  should  they  be  admitted  to  Bail 
resolved  therefore  that  they  be  bound  in  Recognizance  with 
sufficient  sureties  for  their  good  Behaviour  and  appearance 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain  — 

[407]    Andries  Cogh  of  the  Hellebergh  in  the 

County  of  Albany  in   £100 

Jacob  Zimmer  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Andries  Walters  late  of  the  Hellebergh  in   £100 

Jacob  Zimmer  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

George  Paatshold  late  of  the  Hellebergh  in.  .  £100 
Jacob  Zimmer  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


698 


State  of  New  York 


1781  Johan  Hendrick  Zachariah   Bause  late  of 

the  Hellebergh  in   £100 

Johannis    Casselman   of  the    Bever  Dam 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 
1781  Met  Albany  2-d  May  1781 

May  2-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       { Stewart  Dean 

General  Clinton  having  recommended  it  to  the  Board  to 
discharge  Christian  Hartwick  a  German  Prisoner  of  war  on 
Bail  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Recommendation 
that  the  said  Christian  Hartwick  be  discharged  on  his  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appearing 
before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

Christian  Hartwick  late  of  the  Hellebergh 

Farmer  in   £100 

Peter  Cook  of  the  City  of  Albany  Merchant 
his  Bail  in   £100 

M—  Welsh  whose  Husband  is  at  present  with  the  Enemy 
appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested  a  Permit  to  go  to 
Canada  resolved  that  the  Secretary  to  this  Board  certify  to 
General  Clinton  that  we  have  no  Objection  to  M—  Welsh's 
going  with  the  first  Flag  to  her  Husband  — 

Hugh  M?Manus  Constable  of  Tryon  County  [408]  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  informed  us  that  agreeable  to  our  war- 
rant he  had  apprehended  Dr  John  Tice  and  the  said  Df  Tice 
being  produced  and  examined  resolved  that  the  said  Hugh 
M^Manus  take  him  again  into  his  Charge  and  have  him 
ready  to  produce  to  this  Board  when  called  upon  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


Luke  DeWit  was  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  T?: 

b     .  May 

Ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

General  Clinton  having  certified  to  this  Board  his  Desire 
that  William  Giffert  a  German  Prisoner  of  war  should  be 
admitted  to  Bail  resolved  that  he  be  bound  for  his  good 
Behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  for  and  during  the  Continuance  of 
the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

William    Giffert    late   of    the  Hellebergh 

Farmer  in   £100 

John  Tillman  Sen[  of  the  Manor  of  Rens- 

selaerwyck  Innkeeper  his  Bail  in   £100 

Peter  Larawa  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  ex- 
amined ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

John  Tice  being  again  brought  before  the  Board  and 
examined  on  Consideration  of  the  Charge  alledged  against  the 
said  Dl"  Tice  resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  with 
Sufficient  surety  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  this 
City  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  until  discharged  from  the 
said  Recognizance  by  the  said  Commissioners  — 

John  Tice  of  the  State  of  Pensylvania  Prac- 


ti[ci]oner  of  Physick  in   £100 

John  Tillman  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaer- 

wyck  Innkeeper  his  Bail  in   £100 

[409]  Met  Albany  3*  May  1781  ^78 

Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  |      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (.  Stewart  Dean 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Joseph 
Bettis  keeps  at  present  at  the  Hellebergh  and  other  places 


700 


State  of  New  York 


j^8i^    in  that  Neighbourhood  and  is  collecting  a  party  of  Men  to 
go  off  to  the  Enemy  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information  that 
Application  be  made  to  General  [James  Clinton]  for  a  Party 
of  the  Levies  and  to  General  Gansevoort  for  a  Party  of 
Militia  to  go  and  apprehend  the  said  Joseph  Bettis  with  his 
Party  and  also  resolved  that  Abraham  Outhout  Esq-  one  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  residing  at  Schenectady 
at  present  in  Town  be  sent  for  and  made  Acquainted  with  the 
above  Information  and  that  he  be  also  informed  that  this 
Board  conceive  it  necessary  that  a  Party  of  Men  should  be 
sent  from  Schenectady  for  the  purpose  of  falling  upon  the 
Rear  of  those  Settlements  — 

Information  being  exhibited  to  this  Board  that  a  certain 
John  Wasbrook  is  at  present  on  the  East  side  of  the  River 
that  he  is  a  Stranger  and  of  a  suspicious  Character  therefore 
resolved  that  a  Warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Jacob  Van 
Alstyne  authorizing  him  forthwith  to  apprehend  and  bring 
before  us  the  said  John  Wasbrook  — 

A  Letter  from  Teunis  Van  Wagenen  dated  Cats  Kill  the 
2—  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  informing  that  he  sends 
to  us  under  Guard  a  certain  Samuel  Davidson  who  he  had 
caused  to  be  apprehended  as  a  dangerous  Person  and  the  said 
Davidson  being  produced  and  Examined  and  it  ap-  [410] 
pearing  from  his  Examination  that  he  is  a  Deserter  from  the 
Line  of  the  Pensylvania  Army  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
sent  to  General  Clinton  to  be  disposed  as  he  may  think  proper  — 

Adjourned  — 

iky  4.  Met  Albany  4^  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        f      1  Stewart  Dean 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  701 


Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  plan  Yesterday  concluded  x78x 
upon  for  the  Apprehension  of  Joseph  Bettis  with  his  Party 
that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  CoU  Anthony  Van  Bergen  at  Cook- 
sakie  to  detach  a  Party  of  Men  to  Peesink  for  the  purpose  of 
scouring  the  woods  in  that  Quarter  in  Order  that  if  Bettis 
should  endeavour  to  make  his  Escape  that  way  that  he  may  be 
apprehended  — 

James  Watson  Jun-  who  on  the  18-  day  of  April  last 
entered  into  a  Recognizance  before  this  Board  appeared 
before  us  this  day  and  informed  us  that  he  intends  to  go  and 
reside  at  Springfield  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  for  the 
Purpose  of  lear[n]ing  the  Tanners  Trade  and  requested  to 
be  discharged  from  his  said  Recognizance  and  the  said  Appli- 
cation being  taken  into  Consideration  resolved  thereupon 
that  the  said  James  Watson  Jun-  be  and  he  is  hereby  dis- 
charged from  the  said  Recognizance  — 

Lieu-  Jonathan  Brown  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  agreeable  to  our  warrant  he  had  appre- 
hended Simeon  Smith  and  that  he  had  also  agreeable  to  our 
Directions  summoned  William  M;Coy  as  an  Evidence  against 
the  said  Simeon  Smith  ordered  that  the  said  William  M^Coy 
be  examined  — 

[411]    William  M°Coy  being  Examined  under  Oath  saith 
as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Simeon  Smith  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  the 
Charges  above  alledged  against  him  being  read  to  him  and  he 
possitively  denying  the  same  and  offering  to  prove  himself 
Innocent  of  the  Crime  alledged  against  him  wherefore 
resolved  that  the  said  Simeon  Smith  have  Permission  to  return 
Home  on  his  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be- 
haviour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain 


702 


State  of  New  York 


^78^  and  also  for  his  appearing  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of 
Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City 
Hall  in  this  City  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  July  next  (or  where- 
soever the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  afore- 
said) to  answer  to  such  Matters  as  shall  then  and  there  be 
alledged  against  him  and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without 
Leave  — 

Simeon  Smith  of  Pitts  Town  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Innkeeper  in   £100 

Archibald  Campbell  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Merchant  his  Bail  in   £100 

Jonathan  Brown  and  Seth  Stalker  being  severally  called 
before  the  Board  and  Examined  as  to  the  Political  Conduct  of 
Simeon  Smith  their  Examinations  are  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examinations  on  File)  — 

Mathew  Visscher  Esq-  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  received  Information  that  a  Number 
of  Negroes  at  Nistageune  and  the  Bought  intend  shortly  to 
go  off  to  Canada  with  Joseph  Bettis  resolved  in  Consequence 
of  the  said  Information  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Captain 
Hendrick  Ostram  to  have  the  following  Negroes  appre- 
hended (to  wit)  Jack  the  Negro  Man  of  [412]  Wilhelmas  Van 
Antwerp  Esq?: ,  Pomp  the  Negroe  of  Naning  Vischer,  Jack  the 
Negroe  of  Bastian  Cregier,  and  Jack  the  Negroe  [of]  Mar- 
tinus  Cregier,  and  that  he  keep  them  separately  and  bring 
them  before  us  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  — 

Resolved  also  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Captain  Levinus 
Lansing  to  apprehend  and  bring  before  us  the  Negroe  of 
Cornelius  Van  Den  Bergh  named  Sans,  and  the  Negro  of 
Johannis  Lansing  named  Tom  and  they  also  be  brought 
down  separately  — 

A  Party  of  Levies  and  of  the  Militia  being  now  ready  for 
the  Purpose  of  executing  the  Plan  for  Apprehending  Joseph 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  703 


Bettis  with  his  Party  resolved  that  Instructions  be  made  out  MI78r 
for  the  Officer  commanding  the  said  Party  which  Instruc- 
tions are  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Draft  Instruc- 
tions on  File)  — 

A  Letter  from  Major  Popham  Aid  De  Camp  to  Brigadier 
General  James  Clinton  was  laid  before  the  Board  setting 
forth  that  the  General  is  willing  that  Hazelton  Spencer  should 
be  liberated  from  Confinement  and  have  the  Liberty  of  the 
Town  and  be  subject  to  such  Restrictions  as  this  Board  may 
think  proper  resolved  that  the  Subject  of  the  above  Letter  be 
taken  into  Consideration  untill  to  Morrow  Morning  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  5^  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Stewart  Dean 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       {  Samuel  Stringer 

The  Board  having  taken  into  Consideration  the  Letter 
Yesterday  received  from  Major  Popham  respecting  Hazelton 
Spencer  and  Conceiving  that  there  can  be  no  Impropriety  in 
[413]  liberating  the  said  Hazelton  Spencer  from  Confinement 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  liberated  accordingly  on  enter- 
ing into  a  Bond  with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  remaining 
within  the  following  Limits  in  the  City  of  Albany,  (to  wit)  to 
the  North  to  the  Bridge  at  General  Ten  Broeck's  to  the  west 
to  the  Fort  and  to  the  south  to  the  House  at  present  occupied 
by  Thomas  Lansing  and  for  his  not  holding  any  Correspond- 
ence by  word  or  deed  upon  Political  Matters  with  any  Person 
or  Persons  who  hold  Principles  Inimical  to  the  Measures 
pursued  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America 
and  that  he  shall  appear  before  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies or  either  of  them  when  required  — 


1781 
May  5. 


7°4 


State  of  New  York 


1781  Hazelton  Spencer  in   £$00 

lay  5*  • 

Abraham  Ja:  Lansing  of  the  East  District  of 

the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £500 

Cap-  Hendrick  Ostrom  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  that  agreeable  to  our  Request  he  had  apprehended 
the  Negroes  mentioned  in  our  Letter  of  Yesterday  and  the  said 
Negroes  being  severally  brought  before  the  Board  and  Exam- 
ined and  confessing  their  Intention  of  going  off  with  Joseph 
Bettis  and  Jack  the  Negroe  of  Wilhelmas  Van  Antwerp  and 
Pomp  the  Negroe  of  Naning  Visscher  appearing  to  be  princi- 
pally concerned  in  the  above  Schem[e]  therefore  resolved  that 
they  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Henry  Simpson  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
that  the  Party  of  Men  who  Yesterday  went  in  Search  of  Joseph 
Bettis  had  apprehended  a  Certain  Daniel  Sherwood  and  that 
he  had  become  Surety  to  the  Officer  commanding  the  said 
Party  to  deliver  up  the  said  Sherwood  to  this  Board  and 
that  the  said  Daniel  [414]  Sherwood  being  Examined  and  pro- 
ducing Vouchers  of  his  having  been  enlisted  last  Summer  in 
the  Nine  Months  Service  and  of  his  Attachment  to  the 
American  Cause  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Harmanus  Cuyler  of  Cooksakie  laid  before  the  Board  a 
Letter  from  Teunis  Van  Wagenon  dated  Cats  Kill  4th  In- 
stant wherein  he  informs  us  that  he  sends  to  us  Wessel  Van 
Dyck  as  a  Prisoner  on  Account  of  his  being  concerned  in 
carrying  Off  David  Abeel  and  his  son  and  that  he  will  send 
up  the  Proof  against  him  as  soon  as  possible  which  Letter 
being  read  ordered  that  the  same  be  filed  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Letter  that  the  said 
Wessel  Van  Dyck  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made 
out  for  him  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  705 


Met  Albany       May  1781  —  *78r 
n  j  1  j     1  May  7. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (  Stewart  Dean 

A  Letter  from  Cap-  Cornelius  J.  Jansen  dated  at  Saragtoga 
the  6.-  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  setting  forth  that 
one  of  his  Scouts  had  apprehended  at  Jessup's  Patent  a 
certain  Stephen  Fairchilds  and  the  said  Fairchilds  being 
Examined  and  not  being  able  to  give  a  satisfactory  Account 
of  himself  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

A  Letter  was  also  laid  before  the  Board  from  Teunis  Van 
Wagenen  dated  atCatts  Kill  the  6—  Instant  wherein  [415]  he 
informs  us  that  he  sends  to  us  under  Guard  Abraham  Dewitt 
and  Abraham  Person  Jun^  who  have  been  apprehended 
agreeable  to  a  warrant  issued  by  this  Board  and  that  he  also 
sends  John  Person  who  is  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  Person 
resolved  that  they  be  severally  examined  &  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  them  — 

Pomp  the  Negro  Man  of  Naning  Vischer  being  at  the  Re- 
quest of  his  Master  again  brought  before  the  Board  and  Exam- 
ined and  it  appearing  that  he  is  possessed  of  no  other  Informa- 
tion than  what  he  has  already  mentioned  therefore  resolved  that 
at  the  Request  of  his  said  Master  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  8th  May  1781  —  i78r 
Present  **y & 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       [  Stewart  Dean  — 


Jack  the  Negro  Man  of  Wilhelmas  Van  Antwerp  being 
again  brought  before  the  Board  was  examined  and  it  appear- 


706 


State  of  New  York 


1781  ing  that  his  former  Examination  contains  all  the  Information 
May  8.  °. 

which  he  is  able  to  give  and  he  offering  to  give  Information  of 
Joseph  Bettis  or  any  other  Person  that  may  in  future  ask  him 
to  go  to  Canada  resolved  therefore  that  he  be  discharged 
from  Confinement  — 

Peter  Larawa  was  brought  before  the  Board  for  the  Pur- 
pose of  being  examined  and  the  said  Larawa  appearing  un- 
willing to  give  a  Candid  Confession  with  Respect  to  the 
Conduct  of  the  disaffected  Inhabitants  at  Peesink  therefore 
resolved  that  he  be  recommitted 

Adjourned  — 

MJa7y8l9       [416]  Met  Albany  9^?  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        j      1  Stewart  Dean 

Information  was  exhibited  to  the  Board  that  a  certain 
David  Waters  an  Inhabitant  of  this  City  has  offered  to  Ex- 
change the  Money  lately  emitted  by  the  Authority  of  Con- 
gress for  Hard  Money  at  the  Rate  of  three  for  one  and  it 
appearing  highly  probable  that  the  said  David  Waters  does 
it  with  no  other  View  than  to  depreciate  the  Money  as  he 
has  been  always  esteemed  a  disaffected  Person  it  is  therefore 
resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Jacob  Kid- 
ney forthwith  to  apprehend  and  bring  before  us  the  said 
David  Waters  resolved  also  that  John  Shepherd  and  Henry 
Hart  be  cited  forthwith  to  appear  before  this  Board  to  prove 
the  Charges  as  above  alledged  against  the  said  Waters  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appeared  and  informed  that  agreeable  to 
our  Order  he  had  apprehended  David  Waters  and  the  said 
Waters  being  produced  and  acknowledging  the  same  and  at 
the  same  Time  confessing  also  that  he  did  say  that  if  the 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  707 


Commissioners  should  confine  him  for  his  Conduct  that  he  '78i 

May  9. 

would  after  being  released  go  to  the  Enemy  at  New  York 
resolved  therefore  that  he  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

John  Shepherd  and  Henry  Hart  appearing  and  being 
severally  examined  say  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  their  Ex- 
aminations on  File) 

The  Board  being  also  informed  by  William  Dewit  that 
M[  Fomfried  the  French  Merchant  has  also  asked  more  in 
New  Money  for  his  Tea  than  the  Current  Exchange  re- 
solved that  he  be  sent  for  to  answer  the  above  — 

[417]  M*  Fomfried  appearing  and  being  made  acquainted 
with  the  above  Charge  and  he  positively  denying  the  same 
resolved  that  he  be  discharged  and  cautioned  against  de- 
preciating the  New  Money  at  his  Peril  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  12th  May  1781  —  r78r 
Present  Ma?  I2- 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       {  c        ,  c  • 

i        „  „  )■      <  bamuel  otnnper 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (  6 

Hugh  MfManus  Constable  for  Tryon  County  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  informed  us  that  agreeable  to  a  war- 
rant issued  by  this  Board  for  William  Laird  he  had  appre- 
hended the  said  Laird  &  the  said  Laird  being  Examined 
and  it  appearing  from  his  own  Examination  and  also  from 
a  Letter  to  this  Board  from  Zepheniah  Batchelor  Esq-  that 
the  said  William  Laird  in  [sic]  enlisted  in  the  Nine  Month's 
Service  and  he  offering  faithfully  to  do  his  dutv  in  future 
resolved  therefore  that  the  same  be  taken  into  Consideration 
until!  this  Afternoon  — 

The  Board  being  informed  that  there  is  at  present  in 


708 


State  of  New  York 


Town  a  certain  Isaac  Larawa  an  Inhabitant  of  the  Helle- 
bergh  who  may  if  examined  give  some  Material  Informa- 
tion respecting  several  Persons  in  that  Quarter  it  is  there- 
fore resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  ordered  to  have  the  said 
Isaac  Larawa  before  the  Board  this  Afternoon  — 

Lieutenant  Seth  Perry  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  apprehended  a  Man  on  Suspicion 
and  the  said  Person  being  produced  and  Examined  says 
that  his  Name  is  Christian  Smith  that  he  is  a  Soldier  in 
the  Continental  Army  [418]  in  Col!  Van  Schaick's  Regi- 
ment that  he  deserted  about  two  Month's  ago  at  Livingston's 
Manor  to  which  he  was  advised  by  a  certain  Smith  an  In- 
habitant of  that  place  that  whilst  at  Livingston's  Manor  he 
was  advised  by  Jurie  Wheeler  to  go  to  New  York  and  then 
enlist  in  the  Enemies  Service  and  the  said  Examination 
being  committed  to  writing  ordered  that  the  said  Christian 
Smith  be  delivered  over  to  Major  John  Graham  — 

The  Board  having  taken  in  Consideration  the  Case  of 
William  Laird  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  with  paying 
to  the  Constable  the  Costs  accrued  by  his  Apprehension  — 

Jacob  Kidney  agreeable  to  order  attending  with  Isaac 
Larawa  and  the  said  Larawa  being  examined  resolved  that 
he  be  discharged  — 

A  Certificate  signed  by  sundry  of  the  well  affected  Inhabi- 
tants of  Arlington  in  the  County  of  Charlotte  was  laid  be- 
fore the  Board  from  which  it  appears  that  Stephen  Fair- 
childs  who  was  the  other  day  taken  at  Jessup's  Patent  and 
sent  down  by  Cap-  Jansen  has  from  the  Commencement  of 
the  present  Contest  been  esteemed  a  Friend  to  the  American 
Cause  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Certificate  that 
the  said  Stephen  Fairchilds  be  discharged  on  entering  into 
a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good  Behaviour  doing  his 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  709 


for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  during  the  Continuance  1731 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Stephen  Fairchilds  of  Arlington  in  the  County 
of  Charlotte  Farmer  in   £100 

Joseph  Mall  of  the  City  of  Albany  Silversmith 

his  Bail  in   £100 

It  appearing  from  sundry  Circumstances  [419]  that 
George  Sittamon  of  the  Hellebergh  is  a  disaffected  Person 
and  that  he  entertains  Persons  who  to  screen  themselves 
from  Justice  are  lurking  in  the  Country  it  is  therefore  Re- 
solved that  an  Order  be  sent  to  the  said  George  Sittamon 
forthwith  to  appear  before  this  Board  with  a  good  sufficient 
Bail  to  enter  into  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  and 
appearance  when  called  upon  and  that  the  same  be  delivered 
him  by  Isaac  Larawa  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  14^  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  /       [  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )      \  Stewart  Dean 

A  Recommendation  in  Favor  of  Marcy  French  wife  of 
Charity  French  who  is  at  present  with  the  Enemy  signed 
by  Isaac  Sawyer,  Benjamin  Hicks,  and  other  Zealous  Friends 
to  the  American  Cause  was  laid  before  the  Board  setting 
forth  that  the  said  Mar[c]y  French  has  by  John  J-  Bleecker 
EsqJ  been  warned  agreeable  to  the  Directions  of  an  "Act 
entitled  "An  Act  for  the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Per- 
sons who  have  joined  the  Enemy"  to  depart  this  State  or 
remove  to  such  parts  of  it  as  are  in  the  Power  of  the  Enemy 
and  recommending  the  said  Marcy  French  as  a  person  of 
an  unexceptional  Character  and  that  they  do  not  think  that 


i78r 
May  14. 


State  of  New  York 


MXy8i4  ^er  remamin§  at  ner  Present  Habitation  will  not  in  any  way 
injure  the  Liberties  and  Independance  of  this  and  the 
United  States  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Recom- 
mendation that  a  Permit  be  granted  to  the  said  Marcy 
French  for  the  Purpose  above  Mentioned  — 

[420]  David  King  having  been  apprehend[ed]  as  a  Per- 
son of  a  Suspicious  Character  was  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  and  it  appearing  that  he  is  a  Deserter  from 
Col1-  Van  Schaick's  Regiment  of  Continental  Forces  re- 
solved thereupon  that  he  be  delivered  over  to  Major  John 
Graham  — 

Adjourned  — 

MIy8ll5.  Met  Albany  15*  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        j       (  Stewart  Dean 

Information  having  been  given  to  this  Board  that  there 
are  at  present  in  the  East  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensselar- 
wyck  two  German  Prisoners  of  war  named  Andries  Her- 
nockle,  and  Christopher  Whiting  who  daily  by  their  Con- 
duct and  Conversation  give  Offence  to  the  Friends  of  the 
American  Cause  therefore  resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote 
to  Cap^  Jacob  De  Forest  requesting  him  forthwith  to  appre- 
hend and  bring  before  us  the  said  Andries  Hernockle  & 
Christopher  Whiting  — 

Francis  Utt  formerly  an  Inhabitant  of  Tryon  County 
appeared  before  the  Board  agreeable  to  our  Order  and 
being  examined  as  to  the  Character  and  Conduct  of  D;  John 
Tice  says  that  Tice  last  Fall  informed  him  that  Sir  John 
would  come  down  and  advised  the  said  Francis  Utt  to  take 
Protection  under  him  and  at  the  same  Time  also  informed 
him  that  he  knew  a  great  Deal  but  could  not  divulge  it 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies     71 1 


because  he  was  sworn  —  Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  1781 
said  Information  that  the  said  John  Tice  be  committed  and  ay  1 
that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Major  Graham  to  request  him 
[421]  when  he  goes  down  with  the  Prisoners  of  war  to  West 
Point  to  take  with  him  also  the  said  Tice  and  from  thence 
send  him  by  the  first  Party  that  goes  to  Philadelphia  to  his 
Family  and  caution  him  not  again  to  be  Seen  in  this  State 
during  the  present  Contest. 

William  Wederwax  having  been  apprehended  &  confined 
on  Suspicion  of  his  being  concerned  in  the  Robberies  lately 
Committed  at  Claverack  and  it  appearing  that  the  Sus- 
picion was  ill  founded  and  he  being  a  Continental  Soldier 
belonging  to  Coll:  Van  Schaick's  Reg-  therefore  Resolved 
that  he  be  delivered  over  to  Major  Graham  — 

Peter  Davis  having  been  confined  for  stealing  two  Pub- 
lick  Horses  and  having  taken  a  Bounty  from  a  Class  and 
therewith  paid  for  the  Horses  resolved  that  he  also  be  de- 
livered over  to  Major  Graham  — 

Thomas  Orton  and  Gideon  Orton  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  that  they  had  agreeable  to  the  Reso- 
lutions of  this  Board  been  removed  with  their  Families 
from  Jessups  Patent  and  that  being  hurried  away  they  had 
been  obliged  to  leave  great  Part  of  their  Effects  behind  and 
requested  Permission  for  themselves  and  the  other  Persons 
whose  Families  were  removed  to  go  and  fetch  the  Remain- 
der of  their  Effects  resolved  that  they  have  Permission 
granted  them  accordingly  and  that  in  ten  days  they  all  of 
them  appear  before  this  Board  — 

On  Application  of  John  Hodkison  resolved  that  he  have 
Permission  granted  him  to  go  and  work  at  TunniclifF's  Farm 
with  Anthony  Waine  and  that  he  every  Evening  make  his 
Appearance  before  one  of  the  Members  of  this  Board 

Adjourned  — 


712 


State  of  New  York 


*78*6       [422]  Met  Albany  16th  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |  j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Stewart  Dean  j       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Constant  King  be  liberated  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  also 
for  his  appearing  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature 
to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the 
City  of  Albany  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  July  next  (or  whereso- 
ever the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid) 
and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  Leave  — 

Constant  King  of  White  Creek  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Cordwainer  in   £100 

John  Fisher  of  Cambridge  in  the  County 
aforesaid  Millwright  in   £100 

Archibald  M^Neal  appearing  before  the  Board  agreeable  to 
our  Order  and  he  requesting  Permission  to  remain  on  his 
Farm  in  the  Scotch  Patent  and  the  said  Request  being  taken 
into  Consideration  Resolved  thereupon  that  if  the  said 
Archibald  M^Neal  take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance  to  this  State 
that  Permission  will  be  granted  him  Accordingly  — 

The  Board  having  tendered  the  Oath  of  Allegiance  to 
Archibald  MfNeal  and  he  refusing  to  take  the  same  and 
declaring  at  the  same  Time  his  Intention  of  Not  taking  up 
Arms  in  Defence  of  the  American  Cause  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  confined  &  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

[423]  Duncan  MfArthur  also  of  the  Scotch  Patent  being 
questioned  as  to  his  Political  Principles  and  declaring  his 
Intention  of  not  taking  up  Arms  in  defence  of  the  Country  and 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  713 


acknowledging  at  the  same  time  that  he  was  sworn  for  the 
King  when  Burgoyne  came  down  therefore  resolved  that  he 
also  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Lieu-  Col1-  Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  informed  us  that  Thomas  Blewer  who  is  at  present 
under  a  Recognizance  to  this  Board  has  refused  to  do  his  duty 
and  has  made  use  of  Expressions  which  Evidently  denotes  his 
disaffection  to  the  American  Cause  it  is  therefore  Resolved 
that  he  be  ordered  to  attend  this  Board  on  Saturday  the  19- 
day  of  May  Instant  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  17th  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        )      \  Stewart  Dean 

On  Application  of  John  T.  Fisher  resolved  that  Abraham 
Person  Junior  be  liberated  from  Confinement  on  his  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  with  the  said  John  T.  Vischer  his  Surety 
for  his  Remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  City  of  Albany  and 
not  departing  the  same  Unless  he  previously  obtains  Per- 
mission from  this  Board  and  that  he  be  of  the  good  Be- 
haviour until  discharged  by  this  Board  — 

Abraham  Person  Juii;  of  the  Groote  Imboght 

District  in  the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in.  £100 
John  T.  Fischer  of  the  City  of  Albany  Yeo- 
man his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Major  Graham  who  takes  with  [424]  him 
to  west  point  a  Number  of  Continental  Prisoners  be  re- 
quested also  to  take  with  him  Thomas  Gleason  and  deliver 
him  to  some  Officer  of  the  Line  of  the  Troops  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  — 

Adjourned  — 


1781 

May  16. 


1781 
May  17. 


7H 


State  of  New  York 


'781  Met  Albany  18^  May  1781 

May  18.  n  J  1  I 

Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  .        ^  _ 
i        in-  r      1  Isaac  D.  Jbonda 

Samuel  Stringer        J  (. 


Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Samuel  Baker  be  liberated  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  for  and  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Samuel  Baker  of  the  East  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Weaver  in   £100 

Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  of  the  same  place 

Esq1;  his  Bail  in   £100 

The  Board  being  informed  that  William  Jackson  of  New 
Scotland  and  his  wife  are  able  to  give  some  very  material 
Information  respecting  sundry  Transactions  in  that  Quarter 
it  is  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  William  Jackson  and 
his  wife  be  ordered  forthwith  to  attend  this  Board  — 

Adjourned 

1781  Met  Albany  22^  May  1781  — 

Ma*22-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ]      j  Stewart  Dean 
Samuel  Stringer        j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

William  Jackson  of  New  Scotland  having  been  cited  [425] 
together  with  his  wife  to  appear  before  the  Board  appeared 
and  the  said  M"  Jackson  being  Examined  under  Oath  says 
that  she  was  informed  by  a  man  on  the  Road  near  Slinger- 
landt's  Mill  that  there  was  a  Party  of  the  Militia  coming  to 
New  Scotland  that  the  Man  was  an  utter  Stranger  to  her 
having  never  seen  him  before  ordered  that  she  appear  again 
before  the  Board  this  Afternoon  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  715 


It  appearing  from  the  Description  given  by  M—  Jackson  '7*i 
of  the  Man  who  met  her  on  the  Road  and  who  informed  her 
of  the  Militia  coming  to  New  Scotland  that  the  said  Person  is 
a  Servant  Man  at  present  in  the  Service  of  Major  Reed  there- 
fore Resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  ordered  to  bring  the  said 
Person  forthwith  before  the  Board  — 

James  Parke  a  Prisoner  of  War  at  present  in  Confine- 
ment made  Application  to  the  Board  to  be  released  from 
Confinement  in  Order  that  he  may  have  it  in  his  Power  to 
provide  for  the  Subsistanance  [sic]  of  a  wife  and  four  helpless 
Children  who  are  destitute  of  the  Common  Necessaries  of 
Life  and  the  said  Request  being  taken  into  Consideration 
resolved  thereupon  that  the  said  James  Parke  be  released 
accordingly  on  William  M^Loughlins  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  City  of 
Albany  and  surrendering  himself  every  evening  a  Prisoner  to 
the  Goaler  of  the  City  and  County  for  the  Time  being  and 
also  for  his  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  and  for  his  good 
Behaviour  during  that  Time  — 

William  M^Loughlin  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Innkeeper  as  Bail  for  James  Parke  in.  .  .  .  [ 

George  Scharp  of  the  East  District  of  the  Manor  of  Rensse- 
[426]  laerwyck  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed  us 
that  at  the  Request  of  Cap-  Jacob  De  Forest  he  had  taken 
into  his  Charge  Christopher  Witting  and  that  he  has  him  here 
ready  to  produce  to  the  Board. — 

The  said  Christopher  Witting  being  produced  and  ex- 
amined as  to  the  Charge  alledged  against  him  which  he 
utterly  denying  and  it  appearing  however  necessary  that  he 
should  be  laid  under  Restrictions  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
bound  by  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 


716 


State  of  New  York 


May822    Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required   during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  — 

Christopher  Witting  of  the  East  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  School  Mas- 
ter in    £100 

George  Scharp  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Jacob  Kidney  appearing  with  Major  Ried's  Servant 
Man  who  being  Examined  says  the  Evening  on  which  it 
was  supposed  he  gave  Intelligence  of  the  Militia  going 
to  New  Scotland  he  was  by  Major  Ried  sent  to  Town 
which  he  offering  to  swear  resolved  therefore  that  he  be 
discharged  — 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  24th  May  1781  — 

May  24-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  c  ^ 
~  .  V      ■{  Stewart  Dean 

Samuel  Stringer      )  ( 

Andries  Hernockle  appeared  before  the  Board  and  in- 
formed us  that  being  apprized  of  the  orders  sent  by  us  to 
Cap-  Jacob  De  Forest  to  apprehend  him  he  had  voluntarily 
come  to  surrender  himself  to  us  and  the  said  Andries  Her- 
nockle being  made  [427]  acquainted  with  the  Crime  alledged 
against  him  denied  the  same  The  Board  however  Conceiving 
it  necessary  that  the  said  Hernockle  should  be  laid  under 
Restrictions  —  Therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Andries 
Hernockle  enter  into  Recognizance  with  a  sufficient  surety 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  for  and  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
War  with  Great  Britain  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  717 


Andries  Hernockle  of  the  East  District  of  M*78' 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  £100 

Johan  George  Warner  of  the  same  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  25th  May  1781  —  May^s 

Present 

Samuel  Stringer  |      (  j0jin  Beeckman 
Isaac  D.  Fonda  )  ( 

Lambert  Starnbergh,  Hendrick  Haynes  Junr,  Dirck  Miller, 
and  John  Schuyler  having  been  apprehended  and  sent  to  us 
as  Prisoners  in  Consequence  of  the  Information  exhibited 
against  them  by  Rachel  Youngs,  Jacob  Knieskern  and 
Christina  Enders  and  being  severally  Examined  as  to  the 
Charges  alledged  against  them  —  resolved  that  the  same  be 
taken  into  Consideration  until  to  Morrow  and  that  the  said 
Lambert  Starnbergh,  Hendrick  Haynes  Jun^  Dirck  Miller  & 
John  Schuyler  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  their  Appearance 
before  this  Board  to  Morrow  at  ten  of  the  Clock  in  the  Fore- 
noon and  that  they  be  of  the  good  Behaviour  during  thatTime 

Lambert  Starnbergh  of  Schoharie  Labourer 

in   £100 

Archibald  Campbell  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Merchant  his  Bail  in   £100 

[428]  Hendrick  Haynes  Jun^  of  Thurlough 

Labourer  in   £100 

Hendrick   Haynes  $>enT.  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 


Dirck  Miller  of  Duanesburgh  Farmer  in ...  .  £100 
Archibald  Campbell  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Merchant  his  Bail  in   £100 


7i8 


State  of  New  York 


John  Schuylerof  Schoharie  Farmer  in   £100 

Peter  Man  Jun£  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  26th  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  ]       f  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda       j       (  Stewart  Dean 

The  Board  having  resumed  the  Consideration  of  the 
Charges  alledged  against  Lambert  Starnbergh,  Hendrick 
Haynes  Jun.r,  Dirck  Miller,  and  John  Schuyler  and  judg- 
ing the  same  not  of  sufficient  weight  to  justify  their  Im- 
prisonment but  at  the  same  Time  conceiving  it  necessary 
that  they  should  be  bound  by  Recognizance  for  their  future 
good  Conduct  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  severally 
bound  accordingly  for  their  good  Behaviour  doing  their 
duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  whenever  thereunto  required  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 


John  Schuyler  of  Schohary  Farmer  in   £100 

Peter  Man  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his  Bail 
in   £100 

Dirck  Miller  of  Duanesburgh  Farmer  in.  .  .  £100 
Nicholas  Starnbergh  of  Schohary  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Lambert  Starnbergh  of  Schohary  Farmer  in.  £100 
Nicholas  Starnbergh  of  the  same  place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 


Resolved  also  that  the  said  Lambert  Starnbergh  and  [429] 
Dirck  Miller  take  the  following  Oath  (to  wit)  "That  they 


1781 
May  25. 


1781 

May  26. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  719 


will  behave  as  true  and  faithful  Subjects  of  the  State  of  1781 

May  2 

New  York  and  endeavor  to  support  it  as  a  True  and  Inde- 
pendant  State,  and  that  they  will  make  known  to  this  Board 
of  Commissioners  for  detecting  all  Conspiracies  that  may 
be  formed  in  this  State  any  Plots  or  any  thing  that  may  come 
to  their  knowledge  that  is  inimical  or  unfriendly  to  this  or 
any  of  the  United  States  of  America  or  the  aiding,  or  assist- 
ing, or  the  Secreting,  harbouring,  or  Comforting  any  of 
their  Enemies  by  any  one  or  any  of  the  disaffected  who 
may  be  going  off  to  them"  — 

Resolved  that  as  Hendrick  Haynes  Jun-  is  already  under 
Recognizance  for  his  good  Conduct  and  appearance  when 
called  upon  that  he  therefore  be  discharged  — 

The  Board  being  informed  that  the  Conduct  of  Duncan 
M^Arthur  notwithstanding  his  Character  as  a  disaffected 
Person  has  always  been  enexceptionable  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  discharged  from  Confinement  and  permitted  to 
go  and  reside  at  his  former  place  of  abode  in  the  Township 
of  Argyle  in  Charlotte  County  — 

Resolved  that  Archibald  M?Neal  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  his  Entering  into  Recognizance  with  a  suffi- 
cient surety  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  City 
of  Albany  and  appearing  before  this  Board  on  Monday 
next  — 

Archibald  M?Neal  of  the  Township  of  Argyle 

in  the  County  of  Charlotte  Farmer  in. . . .  £100 

Evens    Umphrey    of    Schatikook  District 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Wessel  Van  Dyck  be  discharged  on  enter- 
ing into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 


720 


State  of  New  York 


May826  [43°]  Vessel  Van  Dyck  of  Cater' s  Kill  in  the 

County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

David  Van  Dyck  of  Niscuthaw  in  the  County 
aforesaid  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Abraham  Person  Jun-  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  future 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war 
with  Great  Britain  — 

Abraham  Person  Jun^  of  the  Great  Imbought 
Farmer  in   £100 

John  T.  Visscher  of  the  City  of  Albany  Yeo- 
man his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  28th  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       f  0  ^ 
-L  .  C      i  Stewart  Dean 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Whereas  this  Board  from  sundry  concurring  Circum- 
stances has  great  reason  to  think  that  Doctor  George  Smith 
and  his  son  Terence  Smith  are  Persons  whose  going  at  large 
at  this  Time  may  prove  detrimental  to  the  Safety  of  the 
State  therefore  resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  ordered  to 
apprehend  the  said  George  Smith  and  Terence  Smith  and 
bring  them  forthwith  before  us  — 

Resolved  that  Abraham  Dewit  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  Zachariah  Snyder  of  the  Great  Imboght  Dis- 
trict entering  into  Recognizance  for  the  good  Behaviour  of 
the  _>aid  Abraham  De  Witt  for  his  doing  his  duty  and  ap- 
pearing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  72 


spiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  r78i 

1  .  .  May 

[431]  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 
Zachariah  Snyder  of  the  Great  Imboght  Dis- 
trict in  the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  as 
Bail  for  Abraham  De  Witt  in   £100 

William  Swain  of  the  County  of  Charlotte  having  en- 
tered into  Bond  for  his  appearance  before  this  Board  ap- 
peared and  being  Examined  confesses  that  he  did  enter- 
tain in  his  House  a  certain  Samuel  Wallace  who  told  him 
that  he  intended  to  go  to  the  Enemy  and  that  he  did  at 
another  time  also  entertain  in  his  House  two  Men  who  said 
they  were  going  to  the  Enemy  resolved  that  the  said 
William  Swain  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made 
out  for  him  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  he  has  apprehended  Terence  Smith  but  that  Doctor 
Smith  was  not  to  be  found  whereupon  resolved  that  the 
said  Terence  Smith  be  confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be 
made  out  for  him  — 

As  those  Persons  who  were  removed  from  Jessup's  Patent 
and  who  had  our  Permission  to  return  and  bring  from 
thence  the  Remainder  of  their  Effects  within  ten  day's 
which  is  now  past  and  as  none  of  the  said  Persons  have 
yet  made  their  Appearance  before  us  agreeable  to  order 
therefore  resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Col-  Cornelius 
Van  Dyck  requesting  him  forthwith  to  send  down  to  us  all 
the  said  Persons  — 

Archibald  MfNeal  appearing  before  the  Board  agreeable 
to  the  Recognizance  entered  into  by  him  last  Saturday  and 
having  considered  the  Case  of  the  said  Archibald  MfNeal 
Resolved  thereupon  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  with 
a  sufficient  surety  for  his  good  Behaviour  and  remaining 
[432]  within  the  following  Limits  (to  wit)  to  the  North  as  far 


722 


State  of  New  York 


as  the  Patroon's  Mill's  in  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  and 
to  the  East  and  South  and  West  the  Limits  of  the  City  of 
Albany  — 

Archibald  M:Neal  of  the  Scotch  Patent  in 
the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   .£100 

Evans  Umphrey  of  Schatikoke  in  the  Cou[n]ty 
of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  David  Waters  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  Martin  G.  Van  Bergan's  and  Myndert  Roose- 
boom's  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  the  good  Behaviour 
of  the  said  David  Waters  for  his  doing  his  duty  and  appear- 
ing before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 
when  thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the 
present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Martin  G.  Van  Bergan  of  the  City  of  Albany 

Yeoman  as  Bail  for  David  Waters  in.  .  .  .  £100 
Myndert  Rooseboom   of  the  same  place 

Merchant  also  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  29th  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  r  „ 
^        ,  n   .  f      1  Stewart  Dean 

Samuel  Stringer         )  (. 

A  Letter  from  Robert  Harper  Esq?  one  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  at  Poughkeepsie  dated  25-h  In- 
stant was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs  us  that 
he  incloses  two  Letters  the  one  from  Brigadier  General 
Waterbury  dated  at  Stanford  the  8-  Instant  to  the  Com- 
[433]  missioners  at  Westchester  County  the  other  from  the 
said  Commissioners  dated  at  Cortlandt's  Manor  the  17- 


1781 
May  29. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  723 


Instant  to  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at  Pouph-  *78i 

6       May  2 

keepsie  from  which  Letters  it  appears  that  Jeremiah  Smith 
and  Henry  Skinkle  have  been  apprehended  at  Stanford  on 
Suspicion  of  their  having  been  to  New  York  and  sent  to  the 
said  Commissioners  at  Poughkeepsie  who  as  they  are  In- 
habitants of  this  County  have  by  a  Recognizance  condi- 
tioned in  the  sum  of  One  thousand  Pounds  with  George 
Smith  of  Claverack  as  their  Surety  bound  them  for  their 
Personal  Appearance  before  this  Board  on  this  day  and 
the  said  Jeremiah  Smith  and  Henry  Skinkle  appearing  this 
Day  agreeable  to  the  Tenor  of  the  said  Recognizance  and 
being  severally  examined  and  it  appearing  evident  from 
their  Examinations  that  they  have  been  to  New  York  to 
the  Enemy  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  committed  and 
that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

The  Examinations  of  the  said  Jeremiah  Smith  and  Henry 
Skinkle  being  reduced  to  Writing  are  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File) 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  30^  May  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        j       (  Stewart  Dean 

Information  being  Given  to  the  Board  that  one  of  the  sons 
of  Rykert  RadlifF  is  gone  off  to  the  Enemy  resolved  in  Con- 
sequence of  the  said  Information  that  the  said  Rykert  Rad- 
lifF (who  entered  into  Recognizance  for  the  Personal  Appear- 
[434]  ance  of  his  two  sons  John  RadlifF  and  Arent  RadlifF 
forthwith)  deliver  them  up  to  this  Board  — 

M;  Warner  of  King's  District  appeared  before  this  Board 
and  informed  us  that  at  the  Request  of  Col-  Whiting  he 
waited  upon  us  in  Order  to  inform  the  Board  that  a  Number 


1781 
Kay  3». 


724 


State  of  New  York 


1781  of  the  People  called  Shaking  Quakers  had  lately  purchased 
ay  30  Arms  &  Ammunition  which  was  supposed  to  be  done  by 
them  with  a  View  to  assist  the  Enemy  should  they  come  into 
the  Country  resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information 
that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Col-  Whiting  requesting  him  to  collect 
every  Piece  of  Evidence  concerning  the  above  Transactions 
and  such  Persons  against  whom  he  can  Obtain  Proof  to  send 
us  together  with  the  Evidence  against  each  particular  Person  — 
The  Honorable  Brigadier  General  Clinton  having  sug- 
gested to  the  Board  the  necessity  of  having  the  disaffected 
Inhabitants  residing  at  Ballstown  removed  from  thence  with 
their  Families  and  Effects  —  resolved  thereupon  that  a 
Letter  be  wrote  to  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at 
Schenectady  requesting  them  as  soon  as  possible  to  have  all 
the  Disaffected  of  Ballstown  removed  to  the  Interior  Parts  of 
this  Country  — 

There  being  an  absolute  Necessity  that  the  Families  of 
those  Persons  who  have  gone  off  to  the  Enemy  should  be 
removed  within  the  Enemies  Lines  and  the  Legislature  hav- 
ing at  their  last  Sitting  passed  a  Law  for  their  Removal  which 
said  Law  has  not  as  yet  been  published  therefore  resolved  that  a 
Letter  be  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  State  requesting  him  by  the 
first  Conveyance  to  send  to  ur  a  certified  Copy  of  the  said  Act — 
Resolved  that  Lukas  Dewitt  be  discharged  from  [435] 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  War  with  Great 
Britain  and  America  — 

Lukas  Dewitt  of  the  Great  Imbought  Far- 
mer in   £100 

Jacobus  Perse  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £"100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  725 


Resolved  that  John  C.  Person  be  discharged  from  Con-  1781 
finement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Be-  May  3 
haviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required 
during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  between  Great 
Britain  and  America  — 

John  C.  Person  of  the  Great  Imbought  Dis- 
trict Farmer  in   £100 

Jacob  Van  Olinda  of  the  Manor  of  Rens- 
selaerwyck  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Peter  Larawa  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Peter  Larawa  of  Ulster  County  Farmer.  .  .in.  £100 
Peter  West  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his  Bail  in.  £100 

Resolved  that  Lukas  DeWitt  Jun^  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  And  also  for  his  appearance  at  the  next 
Court  of  General  [436]  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  held  for 
the  City  and  County  of  Albany  at  the  City  Hall  in  said 
City  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  June  next  to  answer  unto  all 
such  Matters  and  things  as  [s]hall  be  then  and  there  alledged 
against  him  and  not  to  depart  the  said  Court  without  Leave  — 

Lukas  Dewitt  Jun^  of  Coocksakie  District 
Farmer  in   £100 

Zachariah  Snyder  of  Great  Imbought  District 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   -£100 


726 


State  of  New  York 


T78i  Resolved  that  Teunis  Reipenbergh  be  discharged  from  Con- 
May  30.  ...  r 

finement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behav- 
iour doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 
Teunis  Reipenbergh  of  Livingston's  Manor 

Farmer  in   £300 

Hendrick   Reipenbergh  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £300 

Stephen  Bell  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  in  his  way  from  Hosick  to  this  place  he  met  Df 
Smith,  Abraham  Ja:  Lansing,  Levines  Lansing,  Thomas 
Lambson  and  some  other  Persons  and  that  D[  Smith 
requested  him  in  a  particular  Manner  to  avoid  mentioning 
that  he  had  seen  him  at  that  Place  and  it  appearing  probable 
that  the  said  D-  Smith  will  pass  through  Bennington  on  his 
way  to  Canada  Therefore  Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote 
to  Joseph  Fay  Esq-  at  Bennington  requesting  him  to  have 
the  said  T)r.  Smith  apprehended  if  possible  which  Letter  is  in 
the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Copy  Letter  on  File) 

Ordered  that  the  said  Letter  be  dispatched  to  Bennington 
by  Express  — 

[437]  Samuel  Stringer  Esq?  advanced  to  the  Express  Eight 
Dollars  of  the  New  Emission  to  defray  his  Expences  on 
the  Road  — 1 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  31^  May  1781  — 

May  31.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (  Stewart  Dean 


1  Included  in  Stringer's  sworn  statement,  October  21 ,  1784,  in  Rr.olu- 
tionary  Manuscripts,  vol.  40,  p.  160,  State  Comptroller's  office. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  727 


Tames  Brisben  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid  before  J781 
•  •  /->  t^v  May  3 

us  a  Certificate  signed  by  Cap-  Hezekiah  Dunham  and  a 

Number  of  Persons  Friends  to  the  Ameri  :an  Cause  certifying 
that  the  said  James  Brisben  has  since  the  surrender  of  Gen- 
eral Burgoyne  behaved  himself  well  in  every  Respect  and 
that  they  are  willing  that  he  should  be  permitted  to  remain 
at  his  Place  of  Abode  at  Saragtoga,  and  Peter  Scharp  who 
is  Bail  for  the  said  James  Brisben  agreeing  to  the  same  and 
the  said  Certificate  being-  taken  into  Consideration  resolved 
thereupon  that  Permission  be  granted  him  accordingly 

Information  being  given  to  the  Board  that  Robert  Fuller- 
ton  of  Nistageune  did  converse  with  Philip  Ryley  Jun-  on 
the  very  day  when  said  Ryley  went  off  to  the  Enemy  and 
there  being  great  Reason  to  suspect  that  the  said  Robert 
Fullerton  was  privy  to  the  said  Ryley's  going  off  and  to  his 
Intention  of  taking  off  with  him  two  young  Men  by  the 
Name  of  Devoe  — 

It  is  therefore  resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  ordered  to 
bring  the  said  Robert  Fullerton  forthwith  before  the  Board  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appearing  informed  that  he  had  Robert 
Fullerton  ready  to  produce  to  the  Board  and  the  said  Fuller- 
ton  [438]  being  called  in  and  Examined  under  Oath  con- 
fesses that  he  did  converse  with  Philip  Ryley  the  day  he  went 
off  but  did  not  know  of  his  Intention  whereupon  resolved 
that  the  said  Robert  Fullerton  be  discharged  — 

Barney  Cadogan  of  Schohary  one  of  the  Persons  com- 
plained of  in  the  Affidavit's  laid  before  this  Board  by  William 
Dietz  Esq-  appeared  before  the  Board  and  laid  before  us 
sundry  Recommendations  from  the  Officers  of  the  Militia 
Regiment  commanded  by  Col-  Peter  Vrooman  which  said 
Recommendations  being  taken  into  Consideration  there- 
upon resolved  that  they  [sic]  said  Barney  Cadogan  be 
discharged  — 


728 


State  of  New  York 


178i  Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Col-  Vrooman  to  inform 
ay  31. 

him  that  Hendrick  HofF  and  another  Person,  from  the  Enemy 
have  lately  been  seen  at  the  Hellebergh  and  to  request  him 
to  detach  a  Party  to  apprehend  them  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  Ist  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         )       {  Stewart  Dean 

Rykert  RadlifF  who  was  ordered  to  deliver  up  to  this 
Board  his  two  sons  John  RadlifF  and  Arent  RadlifF  appeared 
and  informed  us  that  his  sons  are  not  gone  off  to  the  Enemy 
and  as  a  proof  of  the  same  requested  that  Lieu-  Moses 
Hudson  might  be  Examined  or  that  subject  and  it  appear- 
ing by  the  Information  of  the  said  Lieu^  Hudson  that  the  said 
John  RadlifF  and  Arent  Radliff  are  at  present  at  Home  there- 
fore resolved  that  the  said  Rykert  Radliff  be  discharged  — 
[439]  The  Honorable  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton 
having  thought  proper  on  the  Application  of  this  Board  to 
detain  in  this  City  a  Party  of  the  Levies  to  be  under  the 
Direction  of  this  Board  and  Ensign  Philip  Herwig  being 
appointed  to  take  the  Charge  and  command  of  the  said 
Men  resolved  that  Instructions  be  made  out  for  the  said 
Ensign  Herwig  which  Instructions  are  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Copy  Instructions  on  File)  — 

A  Letter  from  Joseph  Fay  Esq-  of  this  day's  date  in 
Answer  to  the  Letter  sent  him  by  Express  on  the  30-  of 
May  last  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  Informs 
that  D;  Smith  is  at  Bennington  where  he  has  surrendered 
himself  as  a  Prisoner  which  Letter  is  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Letter  on  File)  — 


1781 
June  1. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  729 


Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Joseph  Fay  Esq^  in 
answer  to  the  above  Letter  which  is  in  the  words  following 
(to  wit)  (see  draught  Letter  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  2^  June  1 781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       \  Stewart  Dean 

A  Letter  from  Col-  Anthony  Van  Bergen  of  Cooksakie  of 
this  day's  Date  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs 
that  he  sends  to  us  a  Man  who  he  has  caused  to  be  appre- 
hended who  calls  himself  John  Walker  and  the  said  John 
Walker  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  Examined  and 
not  being  able  to  give  a  Satisfactory  Account  of  himself 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 

[440]  William  Dewitt  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  being  on  his  way  from  Philadelphia  to 
this  Place  he  was  this  day  on  the  Kinderhook  Road  about 
eight  Miles  from  this  City  taken  a  Prisoner  by  Hans  Wall- 
timyer  who  after  detaining  him  some  Time  and  asking  him 
a  Number  of  Questions  gave  him  his  Liberty  Resolved  that 
the  above  Information  be  immediately  communicated  to 
General  Clinton  and  General  Gansevoort  in  order  that  some 
Plan  may  be  fallen  upon  to  apprehend  the  said  Waltimyer  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  3?  June  1 78 1  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       I  Stewart  Dean 


1781 
June  1. 


1781 
June  i. 


1781 
June  3. 


73° 


State  of  New  York 


June^  Philip  Herwig  having  been  ordered  with  his  Party  of 
Men  to  apprehend  Abraham  Ja:  Lansing,  Levines  Lansing 
&  Thomas  Lambson  who  were  charged  with  conveying  away 
Doctor  George  Smith  and  having  apprehended  the  said 
Persons  agreeable  to  order  and  they  being  brought  before 
th*e  Board  and  Examined  and  it  appearing  from  their 
Examinations  that  their  Meeting  with  Dr  Smith  was  merely 
Accidental  and  that  they  were  no  way  concerned  in  his 
Escape  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  discharged  — 

Resolved  that  Ensign  Herwig  with  his  Party  of  Men  go 
to  Cap-1  Woodward's  on  the  Kinderhook  Road  and  their 
remain  untill  they  are  joined  by  William  Dewit  who  will 
direct  them  to  the  Place  where  he  [441]  was  made  prisoner 
by  Waltimyer  who  they  will  endeavour  to  apprehend  — 

Adjourned — 

1781  Met  Albany  4^?  June  1781  — 

June  4-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Samuel  Stringer 
,  Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       { Stewart  Dean 

Col1-  Killian  Van  Rensselaer  appeared  before  the  Board 
and  informed  us  that  he  has  received  undoubted  Informa- 
tion that  Walltimyer  is  yet  on  the  East  side  of  the  River 
and  that  he  thinks  he  may  be  apprehended  in  Case  proper 
Exertions  be  made  for  that  Purpose- —  Resolved  that  it 
be  recommended  to  Col-  Rensselaer  to  order  the  Militia  at 
Schodack  to  keep  a  guard  along  the  shore  at  that  Place  to 
prevent  Waltimyer's  crossing  the  River  — 

The  Reverend  Samuel  Swertfeger  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  requested  Permission  to  go  to  Dutchess  County 
for  the  Purpose  of  looking  for  a  Place  to  remove  his  Family 
to;  which  request  being  taken  into  Consideration  —  Re- 
solved that  he  have  Permission  Accordingly  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  731 


Simeon  Garret  appeared  before  the  Board  &  informed  r78i 

.  June  4 

that  he  has  this  morning  been  taken  Prisoner  by  Hans 
Waltimyer  who  after  detaining  him  some  Time  in  the 
woods  discharged  him  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  above  Information  that 
General  Schuyler  and  General  Gansevoort  be  sent  for  to 
consult  him  on  the  most  Effectual  way  to  have  the  said 
Walltimyer  apprehended  — 

Adjourned  — 

[442]  Met  Albany  5th  June  1 78 1  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         j       (  Stewart  Dean 

Adam  Beam  of  the  New  City  having  been  cited  to  appear 
before  this  Board  for  having  conveyed  Df  Smith  in  a  Waggon 
to  Bennington  and  appearing  this  day  agreeable  to  order 
and  being  examined  and  it  appearing  from  his  Examina- 
tion that  he  was  altogether  unacquainted  with  Dr  Smith's 
Character  and  Situation  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
discharged  — 

It  appearing  to  this  Board  from  the  Examination  of  Simeon 
Garret  that  Walltimyer  has  slept  several  Nights  in  the  Barn 
of  John  Ver  Plank  of  Coyeman's  Patent  and  there  being 
reason  to  suppose  that  the  Information  respecting  the  said 
John  Ver  Planck  is  true  from  his  Character  of  Disaffection 
and  the  said  John  Ver  Planck  being  at  present  in  this  place  — 
Therefore  resolved  that  Jacob  Kidney  be  ordered  to  bring 
him  forthwith  before  the  Board  — 

Jacob  Kidney  appearing  with  John  Ver  Planck  and  he 
being  Examined  with  Respect  to  Walltimyer's  sleeping  in  his 
Barn  and  he  being  ready  to  swear  that  he  never  knew  of  said 


1781 
June  5. 


732 


State  of  New  York 


.1781  Walltimyer  being;  there  which  Assertion  being  deemed 
une  5.  jo  o 

satisfactory  to  the  Board  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  dis- 
charged — 

Adjourned 

[443]  Met  Albany  6^  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Stewart  Dean 
Samuel  Stringer         j       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Jeremiah  Smith  and  Hendrick  Skinkle  who  were  some 
Time  ago  committed  being  brought  before  the  Board  were 
again  Examined  and  being  unwilling  to  make  answers  to  the 
Questions  proposed  to  them  therefore  resolved  that  they  be 
recommitted  — 

It  appearing  to  this  Board  that  Peter  Huyck  has  for- 
feited the  Recognizance  by  him  entered  into  before  this 
Board  ordered  therefore  that  the  Secretary  make  out  the 
said  Recognizance  and  transmit  the  same  to  the  Attorney 
General  in  Order  to  its  being  prosecuted  — 

Nathaniel  Cotton  of  Cooksakie  being  a  material  Witness 
against  William  Hartley  who  was  some  Time  since  confined 
as  a  spy  from  the  Enemy  and  as  the  said  William  Hartley  is 
to  receive  his  Tryal  by  a  Court  Martial  therefore  Resolved 
that  the  said  Nathaniel  Cotton  be  cited  to  appear  forthwith 
before  this  Board  — 

John  Walker  who  was  on  the  2—  Instant  apprehended 
on  Suspicion  by  order  of  Col-  Van  Bergen  was  brought  before 
the  Board  and  being  Examined  says  that  he  is  a  Continental 
Soldier  belonging  to  the  Massachusets  Line  and  that  he  has 
deserted  from  West  Point  resolved  that  the  said  John  Walker 
be  delivered  over  to  Col-  Van  Schaick  whose  Regiment  is 
now  on  their  way  to  West  Point  — 


1781 
June  6. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  733 


A  Letter  from  Joseph  Fay  Esq[  dated  at  Bennington  j^*6 
on  the  3?  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  which  Letter 
is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Letter  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

[444]  Met  Albany  9^  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  |      j  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        j       (  Stewart  Dean 

William  Parker,  John  Wait,  Isabel  Parker,  Jane  Wait, 
and  James  Parker  Inhabitants  of  Tryon  County  having 
been  apprehended  for  harbouring  and  supplying  Parties 
from  the  Enemy  with  Provisions  and  being  brought  before 
the  Board  and  it  appearing  from  their  Examinations  that 
they  have  received  Letters  from  the  enemy  therefore  resolved 
that  William  Parker  and  John  Wait  be  committed  and  that 
Isabel  Parker,  Jane  Wait  and  James  Parker  have  Permission 
to  return  to  their  Places  of  Abode  to  fetch  from  thence  their 
Families  and  Effects  — 

Resolved  that  a  Mittimus  be  m[a]de  out  for  William  Parker 
and  John  Wait  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  13^  June  1781 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  V  f 
Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

Hugh  Mitchell  and  Abraham  Outhout  Esq"  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  from  Schenectady  informed  the 
Board  that  there  are  a  Number  of  Persons  at  the  Hellebergh 
who  have  harboured  Walltimyer  and  Bettis  and  that  there  is 


1781 
June  9. 


1781 
June  13. 


734 


State  of  New  York 


1781     a  Necessity  at  this  Time  of  removing:  from  thence  such 

Juae  13.  »  .  ~  . 

Persons  and  the  other  disaffected  Inhabitants  in  that  Quarter 
and  this  Board  being  convinced  of  the  Necessity  of  such  a 
[445]  measure  especially  as  the  Enemy  are  daily  expected 
upon  the  Frontiers  — 

Therefore  Resolved  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  said 
Hugh  Mitchell  and  Abraham  Outhout  to  send  a  Party  of  men 
from  Schenectady  to  apprehend  some  of  those  who  are  most 
notoriously  disaffected  in  that  Quarter  and  this  Board  will 
also  send  a  Party  that  way  to  apprehend  Joseph  Bettis  who  is 
reported  is  still  there  — 

Resolved  that  Col-  Anthony  Van  Bergen  be  requested  to 
send  a  party  of  his  Regiment  to  Peesink  and  places  Adjacent 
to  apprehend  all  suspected  Persons  in  that  Quarter  — 

The  Board  having  received  Information  from  Col!-  Van 
Bergen  that  Robert  Tripp  being  looked  upon  as  a  dangerous 
Person  therefore  Resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out  for 
him  and  delivered  to  Col-  Van  Bergen  to  have  the  same 
served  — 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  a  certain 
Scott  who  is  at  present  at  New  York  has  a  Quantity  of  Wheat 
stored  at  Moore's  at  Kat's  Kill  and  as  the  same  ought  to 
be  seized  for  the  use  of  the  Publick  therefore  resolved  that 
a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Hezekiah  Van  Orden  Esq-  requesting 
him  to  make  Enquiry  concerning  the  said  Wheat  and  have 
the  same  seized  for  the  Public  Use  agreeable  to  Law  which 
Letter  is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (see  Copy  Letter  on 
File) 

A  Letter  from  Teunis  Van  Wagenen  dated  at  Kat's  Kill 
dated  the  26-  Ultimo  was  laid  before  the  Board  which 
Letter  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit)  (see  Letter  on 
File)  — 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  735 


[4461  Met  Albany  14"?  Tune  1781 —  1781 

1       J  June  14. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  c         ,  «  . 

J       _  _  >•  «  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         f  (  b 

As  there  are  a  Number  of  disaffected  Persons  in  the  Re»i- 
ment  at  present  commanded  by  Major  Ezekiel  Taylor  some  of 
whom  as  they  live  upon  the  Frontiers  it  is  necessary  should  be 
removed  therefore  resolved  that  Major  Taylor  be  requested  to 
furnish  this  Board  as  soon  as  possible  with  a  List  of  his  Regi- 
ment together  with  the  Political  Character  of  Each  Man  — 

Cap-  John  Grote  appeared  before  the  Board  with  Edward 
M^Gurkey  who  he  informed  us  he  had  apprehended  for 
endeavouring  to  enlist  him  the  said  John  Grote  for  the  Service 
of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  And  producing  a  Guinea  de- 
livered him  by  the  said  Edward  M"rGurkey  as  a  Bounty  and 
the  said  M^Gurkey  being  Examined  confessing  that  he  has 
taken  an  Oath  to  be  true  to  the  King  resolved  that  he  be 
confined  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

It  being  represented  to  the  Board  that  Robert  Bohannah 
of  Nistageune  is  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  Person  and  there 
being  Reason  to  suspect  that  he  harbours  persons  from  the 
Enemy  It  is  therefore  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  made  out 
directed  to  Philip  Herwig  to  apprehend  the  said  Robert 
Bohannah  and  that  Nicholas  Van  Vranken  of  Nistajreune  be 
requested  to  assist  the  said  Philip  Herwig  in  the  Execution 
of  the  above  Warrant  — 

Adjourned  — 

[447]  Met  Albany  15^  Tune  1781  —  17S1 

June  15. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  J      j  ^  R  ^ 
Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 


736 


State  of  New  York 


■^1781 5'  *"aP"  Jonn  ^rote  aPPeai"ing  before  the  Board  for  the 
Purpose  of  being  Examined  with  Respect  to  Edward 
M'rGurkey  was  examined  accordingly  and  his  Examination  is 
in  the  words  following  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File)  — 
John  Oliver,  Jacob  Daniels,  Francis  Winne  and  Eli 
Arnold  having  been  present  at  the  Time  that  Edward 
M^G'urkey  attempted  to  Enlist  John  Grote  and  having  been 
Ordered  to  appear  before  the  Board  to  be  Examined  concern- 
ing the  same  and  attending  for  that  Purpose  were  severally 
examined  and  their  examinations  are  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

June  16. 

Met  Albany  16^  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T 

i        1  o   •  f      1  Isaac  D.  .bonda 

bamuel  btnnger         )  ( 

Robert  Bohannah  for  whose  Apprehension  a  warrant  was 
on  the  14-  Instant  made  out  being  brought  before  the  Board 
by  Philip  Herwig  and  the  Charges  as  alledged  against  him 
being  read  to  him,  he  utterly  denied  the  same  and  as  a  proff 
of  his  Innocence  offered  to  take  up  and  bring  before  this 
Board  all  Persons  who  he  finds  travelling  through  that 
Part  of  the  Country  where  he  resides  and  the  Board  being  of 
Opinion  that  by  discharging  the  said  Robert  Bohannah  they 
may  receive  such  Information  from  him  respecting  [448]  Joe 
Bettis  and  others  as  may  enable  the  Board  to  have  them 
apprehended  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Robert  Brisben  of  Saragtoga  having  entered  into  Recogni- 
zance before  this  Board  and  having  since  gone  off  to  Canada 
and  joined  the  Enemy  and  Jonathan  Pettit  his  Bail  being 
called  upon  to  pay  the  Recognizance  Money  and  appearing 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  737 


for  that  Purpose  resolved  that  the  same  amounting  to  237     ^781  ^ 
Dollars  of  the  Money  Emitted  pursuant  to  a  Resolution  of 
the  18-  of  March  be  received  and  delivered  over  into  the 
Hands  of  the  Secretary  to  this  Board  — 

Resolved  that  the  List  received  from  Major  Ezekiel 
Taylor  of  the  Regiment  under  his  Command  be  transmitted  to 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  at  Schenectady  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  i8^h  Tune  1781  —  1781 
Present  *™  l8« 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  n        .  n  . 

j        „   „     ,  f      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       (  & 

The  Honorable  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton  having 
requested  the  Board  to  take  the  Examinations  of  William 
Empie  and  Randell  Hewit  who  were  taken  Prisoners  by  a 
Party  of  Oneyda  Indians  near  Crown  Point  and  they  being 
brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  say  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  their  Examinations  on  File)  — 

Resolved  that  they  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

[449]  Met  Albany  19^  June  1781  —  June8 19. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  0        1  n  • 

t  i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  fonda         )  ( 

The  Board  having  taken  into  Consideration  the  Complaint 
exhibited  to  us  by  a  Number  of  the  approved  Friends  to  the 
American  Cause  residing  at  the  Hellebergh  and  places 
adjoining  and  being  of  Opinion  from  the  frequent  Parties 
from  the  enemy  who  are  harboured  in  that  Quarter  by  the 


738 


State  of  New  York 


Juncfig  disaffected;  tnat  sucn  as  are  reputed  dangerous  Persons  should 
be  removed  from  that  part  of  the  Country  and  the  Board 
having  been  furnished  with  List's  of  the  names  of  the  Persons 
belonging  to  the  Companies  of  Cap-  Van  Aernam,  Cap- 
Luke,  Cap-  Grote,  and  Cap^  Slingerlandt  and  with  the 
character  of  Each  particular  Person. 

Resolved  that  the  said  List's  be  delivered  to  the  Officer 
commanding  the  Party  detached  by  General  Clinton  at  the 
request  of  this  Board  to  carry  the  above  into  Execution. 

Isaac  Sheldon  Constable  appeared  before  the  Board 
&  informed  that  he  had  apprehended  two  Persons  at  Stephen 
Town  who  appeared  to  be  of  suspicious  Characters  and  the 
said  Persons  being  brought  in  and  Examined  say  their  Names 
are  John  Cane  and  Jesse  Adams  and  not  giving  a  satisfactory 
Account  of  themselves  resolved  that  they  be  committed 
and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them. 

Col1-  Van  Bergen  having  at  the  Request  of  this  Board 
caused  Robert  Trip  to  be  apprehended  for  harbouring 
Walltimyer  and  the  said  Robert  Trip  being  brought  before 
the  Board  and  Examined  his  Examination  is  in  the  words 
following  (to  wit)  (see  Examinations  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

june82i       [450]  Met  Albany  21^  June  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        t-v  t-  j 

.  >      ->  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

William  Epie  who  was  on  the  18-  Instant  committed 
was  ordered  to  be  brought  before  the  Board  and  being  again 
Examined  his  Examination  is  in  the  following  words  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File) 

Randell  Hewitt  who  was  also  on  the  18-  Instant  committed 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  739 


was  ordered  to  he  brought  before  the  Board  &  being  Ex-  _  I"81 

•  .  June  21. 

amined  his  examination  is  in  words  following  (to  wit)  (see 

his  Examination  on  File) 
Adjourned. 

Met  Albany  26-  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ^  , 
-;  .  >      -j  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Jacob  Bargcr  appeared  before  the  Board  and  informed 
us  that  he  had  apprehended  a  certain  John  Anderson  who 
appears  to  him  to  be  of  a  suspicious  Character  and  the  said 
John  Anderson  being  brought  in  and  Examined  and  not 
giving  a  satisfactory  account  of  himself  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  mittimus  be  made  out  for 
Him  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  28it  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Stewart  Dean 

Ephraim  Hopping  appeared  before  the  Board  and  [451] 
informs  that  he  is  lately  deserted  from  Canada  where  he 
has  been  some  Time  as  a  Prisoner  and  produced  a  Pass  of 
Thomas  Chittendon  Esq- to  come  to  this  Place  and  he  being 
desirous  of  going  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  at 
Poughkeepsie  resolved  that  a  pass  for  that  purpose  be  given 
him  — 

Peter  Seeger  having  been  ordered  to  appear  before  the 
Board  appeared  and  was  Examined  — 

Major  John  Graham  having  with  a  Party  of  Men  been 


1781 

June  26. 


1781 
June  28. 


State  of  New  York 


uiie828  detached  to  tne  Hellebergh  in  order  to  apprehend  Joe  Bettis 
and  other  Emissaries  from  the  enemy  in  that  Quarter  and 
having  apprehended  Jellis  Legrange  for  harbouring  the  said 
Bettis  and  having  also  apprehended  a  certain  John  Low  on 
suspicion  and  the  said  Jellis  Legrange  and  John  Low  being 
Examined  resolved  as  nothing  appears  against  the  said  John 
Low  that  he  be  discharged  and  that  Jellis  Legrange  be 
committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Cornelius  Van  Sice  being  ordered  to  appear  before  the 
Board  and  being  Examined  says  that  the  above  mentioned 
Jellis  Legrange  brought  him  to  Joe  Bettis  to  Enlist  which 
Examination  is  as  follows  (see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  29-  June  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman         (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         \      (  Stewart  Dean 

The  Examination's  of  John  Bardine  and  Ebenezer  French 
taken  by  William  Schuyler,  William  Harper  and  David 
M^Master  Esq—  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Tryon 
[452]  were  laid  before  the  Board  and  it  appearing  from  the 
said  Examinations  that  Isaac  Lawson  who  the  said  Justices 
have  caused  to  be  apprehended  and  sent  to  us  is  a  Dangerous 
and  disaffected  Person  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  com- 
mitted and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  30t.h  June  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman )     ( T        r\  1?  j 
J  .  Y     ]  Isaac  U.  honda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 


1781 
June  29. 


1781 
June  30. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  741 


Resolved  that  Robert  Trip  be  discharged  from  Confine-  .  *781 

.  .  June  3 

ment  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 

doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and 
also  for  his  appearance  at  the  next  supream  Court  of  Judica- 
ture to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York  on  the  last  Tuesday 
in  July  next  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City  of  Albany  (or 
whosoever  the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State 
aforesaid)  then  and  there  to  answer  unto  such  things  as 
shall  be  there  alledged  against  him  and  not  depart  the  Court 
without  Leave  — 

Robert  Trip  of  Acquatough  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Gideon  Trip  of  King's  District  in  the  County 

aforesaid  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

[453]  Met  Albany  31-  June  [sic  for  July  1]  1 781  - 
Present 

1 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        r\  t-  j 
•;  .  >■      <  Isaac  U.  Jbonda 

Samuel  Stringer         J  ( 

Simon  Relea,  Daniel  Relea,  David  Relea,  George  Sidnam, 
John  Van  Alstyne,  Teunis  Van  Alstyne,  RoelifF  Seeger,  and 
Evert  Johnson  having  been  apprehended  by  Major  Graham 
for  harbouring  Joseph  Bettis  and  other  Emissaries  from  the 
Enemy  and  they  being  brought  before  the  Board  and 
Examined  and  the  Charges  against  them  appearing  to  be 
well  founded  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  committed  and 
that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

Adjourned  — 


1781 
July  1. 


742 


State  of  New  York 


Met  Albany  c*i?  July  1781  — 

JulyS-  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  /       (  c        ,  0  . 

i  t-     1  r       1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  u.  ronda         )  ( 

A  Letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell  Esq!"  one  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  at  Schenectady  was  laid  before  the 
Board  setting  forth  that  Petrus  Wermer  who  is  at  present 
in  Confinement  has  by  the  Commissioners  at  Schenectady 
been  bound  by  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing 
his  duty  and  appearance  when  called  upon  and  Requesting 
that  the  said  Petrus  Wermer  may  be  liberated  unless  some 
material  Charges  can  be  alledged  against  him  and  the  s- 
request  being  taken  into  Consideration  and  as  no  perticular 
Charges  have  yet  been  alledged  against  him  the  said  Petrus 
Wermer  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 

Adjourned  — 

July  6.       [454]  Met  Albany  6^  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  T        rA  t-  j 

jj  .  \  i  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Peter  Van  Slyck  residing  near  Cooksakie  appearing  before 
the  Board  informs  us  that  a  Party  of  Robbers  headed  by  a 
certain  Joseph  Smith  (formerly  a  servant  of  Walltimyer)  did 
on  the  first  Instant  enter  his  House  and  steel  a  Number  of 
Articles  of  him  and  that  in  attempting  to  make  his  Escape 
they  fired  at  him  and  wounded  him  in  the  Arm  and  that  they 
took  Prisoner  at  his  House  Peter  Clauw  who  has  since  made 
his  Escape  from  them  and  is  this  day  come  to  Town  and  the 
said  Peter  Clauw  appearing  before  the  Board  &  being  exam- 
ined says  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  his  examination  on  File) 

Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  743 


Met  Albany  7th  July  1781  —  1781 
Present  JuJy7' 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )      \  c        .  „  . 

1  t-     1  r      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  ronda         )  ( 

Col!  Veeder  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
the  liberation  of  Coenradt  Coen  from  Confinement  as  the 
said  Coenradt  Coen  has  always  discovered  a  Willingness  to 
do  his  duty  when  required  and  the  said  request  being  taken 
into  Consideration  resolved  in  Consequence  thereof  that  the 
said  Coenradt  Coen  be  discharged  from  Confinement  and 
cautioned  against  associating  with  disaffected  Persons  in 
Future  — 

[455]  Resolved  that  Peter  Relea  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Peter  Relea  of  the  west  District  of  the  Manor 

of  Rensselaerwyck   Farmer  in   £100 

Martin  Sybert  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 


Adjourned 


Present 


Met  Albany  8*  July  1781  —  j*[y\ 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       \  0        ,  „  . 

t  r      "{  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         j       (  b 

John  Loe  appeared  before  the  Board  and  requested 
Permission  to  go  and  reside  at  Christian  Sant's  at  the  Bever 
Dam  resolved  that  Permission  be  granted  him  accordingly 
on  the  said  Christian  Sant's  entering  into  a  Recognizance 


744  State  of  New  York 


ij8^  for  the  good  Behaviour  of  the  said  John  Loe  and  for  his 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Christian  Sant  of  the  Bever  Dam  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  as  Bail  for 
John  Loe  in   £100 

The  Honorable  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton  having 
signified  to  this  Board  his  Approbation  of  Randell  Hewit 
a  Prisoner  of  war  being  liberated  from  Confinement  upon 
giving  Security  to  this  Board  to  appear  when  called  upon 
resolved  therefore  that  he  be  liberated  accordingly  on 
Ephraim  Hewit  his  Father  [456]  entering  into  a  Recog- 
nizance for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  the  Farm  at 
present  in  Possession  of  the  said  Ephraim  Hewit  at  Keyad- 
eroseras  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Conspiracies  when  called  upon  and  for  his  good 
Behaviour  until  he  shall  be  Exchanged  or  otherwise  di[s]posed 
of — 

Ephraim  Hewit  of  Keyaderoseras  Patent  in 
the  County  of  Albany  Farmer  Bail  for 
Randell  Hewit  in   £100 

A  Letter  from  Col-  Van  Bergen  dated  at  Cooksakie  the 
4-  Instant  was  laid  before  the  Board  inclosing  the  Exam- 
inations of  Teunis  Hoogteling,  Peter  Finehout,  William 
Davis,  and  Israel  Kelsey  concerning  the  Robbery  com- 
mitted at  Peter  Van  Slyck's  which  Letter  and  Examina- 
tions are  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examinations  &  Letter 
on  File)  — 

It  appearing  to  this  Board  from  the  Examination  of  Peter 
Clauw  that  the  Party  who  robbed  Van  Sluyck  stopped  at 
the  House  of  Adrian  Bradt  at  Niscuthaw  and   that  Joe 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  745 


Smith  one  of  the  said  Party  conversed  for  some  time  in  1781 
private  with  the  said  Adrian  Bradt  and  as  the  said  Adrian 
Bradt  has  not  given  any  Information  concer[n]ing  the  said 
Party  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  ordered  to  appear  before 
this  Board  to  Morrow  Morning  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  io,h  July  1781  —  i78i 
Present  IO- 

John  M.  Beeckman  I       (  T        _   _  - 
^        ,  n   •  (1  Isaac  U.  ronda 

bamuel  btrmger         ;  ( 


It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  Peter  [457]  Clauw 
that  Adrian  Bradt  Junr-  (son  of  Adrian  Bradt)  was  at  Home 
when  the  party  who  robbed  Peter  Van  Slyck  was  at  his 
Father's  House  and  that  he  conversed  with  them  and  the 
said  Adrian  Bradt  Jun-  having  been  apprehended  by  Jacob 
Kidney  and  brought  before  the  Board  and  being  examined 
as  to  the  same  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for 
his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
war  with  Great  Britain. 

Andrian  Bradt  Junf  of  Niscuthaw  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  in   £100 

Peter  S.  Seeger  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Adrian  Bradt  having  been  cited  to  appear  before  the 


"6 


Board  appeared  and  was  Examined  and  the  said  Adrian 
Bradt  appearing  to  be  much  indisposed  and  as  his  being 
confined  at  this  Time  may  endanger  his  Life  therefore 
resolved  that  he  enter  into  Recognizance  with  sufficient 
sureties  for  his  remaining  within  the  Limits  of  this  City 


746 


State  of  New  York 


I?8l  untill  discharged  by  this  Board  and  for  his  good  Behaviour 
July  io.   jn  ^  mean  Time  — 

Adrian  Bradt  of  Niscuthaw  in  the  County  of 

Albany  Farmer  in   .£100 

James  Van  Zandt  of  the  City  of  Albany  Car- 
penter his  Bail  in   £100 

John  Van  Nist  of  the  Normans  Kill  in  the 
County  of  Albany  Farmer  also  his  Bail  in.  £100 
Frederick  Miller  (son  in  Law  of  Adrian  Bradt)  having 
been  cited  to  appear  before  the  Board  and  being  examined 
with  Respect  to  the  Party  who  robbed  Van  Slyck  and  who 
were  at  the  said  Adrian  Bradt's  and  it  appearing  that  he  had 
no  Conver-  [458]  sation  with  the  said  Party,  yet  on  Account 
of  his  Connection  with  the  said  Adrian  Bradt,  It  is  resolved 
that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  until  discharged  by 
this  Board. 

Frederick  Miller  of  Niscuthaw  in  the  County 

of  Albany  Cordwainer  in   £100 

John  N.  Smith  of  the  same  place  Wheel- 
wright his  Bail  in   £100 

Lieu-  David  Hustead  Appeared  before  the  Board  with 
Lucius  Palmer,  Gideon  Palmer,  Isaac  Palmer,  Simon 
Chesley  and  Comfort  Marks  who  he  had  apprehended  on 
account  of  their  intending  to  go  to  Canada  &  they  being 
severally  examined  resolved  that  they  be  confined  — 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  11th  July  1 781  — 

J«iy  «•  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman 
Samuel  Stringer 


Isaac  D.  Fonda 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  747 


Lucius  Palmer,  Gideon  Palmer,  Isaac  Palmer,  Simon  T78i 
Chesley  and  Comfort  Marks  who  were  Yesterday  confined 
being  again  brought  before  the  Board  and  Examined  as  to 
their  Intention  of  going  to  the  Enemy  at  Canada  —  Resolved 
on  Account  of  the  youth  and  Inexperience  of  the  said  Lucius 
Palmer,  George  Palmer,  Isaac  Palmer,  Simon  Chesley  and 
Comfort  Marks  and  their  Candid  Acknowledgement's  that 
they  be  discharged  on  their  taking  the  following  Oath,  (to 
wit)  — 

I  do  swear  upon  the  holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  god 
that  I  will  be  true  to  the  State  of  New  York  and  [459]  will 
Conduct  myself  as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the  said 
State  ought  to  do;  that  and  I  will  not  aid,  comfort,  council 
with,  or  Assist  in  any  way  whatever  any  of  the  Enemies  of 
the  said  State  of  New  York  or  the  United  States  of  America 
and  that  I  will  immediately  make  known  any  Plots  that  may 
be  intended  against  any  of  the  said  United  States  and 
discover  that  may  come  to  my  knowledge  any  of  their 
Enemies  whenever  I  [k]now  there  are  any  lurking  about 
in  the  Country  to  any  Officer  or  to  the  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners —  So  help  me  God  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  l6*.h  July  1781  —  July"  16. 

Present 

lohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  t-  j 
•i  .  >      <  Isaac  U.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Jacobus  Van  Sante  appearing  before  the  Board  requested 
to  deliver  up  in  Discharge  of  himself  Adrian  Bradt.  resolved 
that  the  said  Jacobus  Van  Sante  be  discharged  from  the 
Recognizance  by  him  entered  into  for  the  said  Adrian  Bradt 
and  that  the  said  Adrian  Bradt  be  confined  and  a  Mittimus 
be  made  out  for  him  — 


748 


State  of  New  York 


July8i6  Elizabeth  Burrows  having  been  Ordered  to  appear  before 
the  Board  and  appearing  and  being  examined  as  to  Joe  Smith 
and  his  Party  and  she  positively  denying  her  having  seen  the 
said  Smith  or  any  of  his  Party  resolved  that  she  be  discharged  — 
Gerrit  Seeger  having  also  been  cited  to  appear  before 
the  Board  and  appearing  and  being  Examined  his  Examina- 
tion is  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Adjourned  — 

July  x*      [460]  Met  Albany  19^  July  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       [  c        ,  c  . 

i        ^  r      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        )      {  6 

Adrian  Bradt  Jun?:,  Evert  Sixbey,  Jacobus  Van  Valken- 
burgh,  Alexander  Conning  and  Ann  Conning  his  wife  and 
Richard  Kerknaer  having  been  apprehended  for  harbouring 
and  supplying  with  Provisions  the  Party  who  robbed  Peter 
Van  Slyck  and  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  severally 
examined  resolved  that  they  be  committed  and  that  a  Mitti- 
mus be  made  out  for  them  — 

Adjourned  — 

Jug8J0>  Met  Albany  20**?  July  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c        .  ~  . 

t  _  \      <  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  fonda         )  ( 

Lucas  Taylor  being  charged  with  being  privy  to  the 
harbouring  of  the  Party  who  robbed  Van  Slyck  being  brought 
before  the  Board  and  Examined  resolved  that  he  enter  into  a 
Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and 
appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Con- 
spiracies during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  war  with 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  749 


Great  Britain  and  for  his  Appearance  at  the  next  Supream  *78r 

1  July  2 

Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the  State  of  New  York 

at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  July 

Instant  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the 

State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such  Matters  as  shall  bealledged 

against  him  and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  Leave — 

Lucas  Taylor  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  in   £100 

[461]  Gerrit  Van  Wie  of  the  same  place 

Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Staats  Bradt  who  was  also  charged  with  being  privy 
to  the  harbouring  Joe  Smith  and  the  rest  of  the  Party  who 
robbed  Peter  Van  Slyck  being  brought  before  the  Board 
resolved  that  he  enter  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  during  the  Continuance 
of  the  present  war  with  Great  Britain  and  for  his  Appearance 
at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be  held  for  the 
State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  this  City  on  the  last 
Tuesday  in  July  next  (or  wheresoever  the  said  Court  shall 
then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid)  to  answer  to  such  Matters 
as  shall  be  alledged  against  him  and  not  to  depart  the  Court 
without  Leave  — 

Staats  Bradt  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  .  .  .  £100 

Gerrit  Van  Wie  of  the  same  place  Farmer 

his  Bail  in   £100 

Jacob  France  of  Thurlough,  charged  by  William  Summer 
with  having  assisted  in  the  destruction  of  Currey  Town  being 
brought  before  the  Board  and  Examined  resolved  that  he  be 
committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned 


750  State  of  New  York 


Jtg8*x  Met  Albany  21^  July  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  }       (  P        ,  «  . 

t  t-  r      1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  ronda        j  (. 

Resolved  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Hugh  Mitchell  Esq- 
at  Schenectady  requesting  him  to  take  Cornelius  Van 
Sice's  Recognizance  for  his  appearance  at  the  next  supream 
Court  and  transmit  the  same  to  this  Board  — 

[462]  A  Letter  from  Zepheniah  Batchelder  Esq?"  Justice  of 
the  Peace  of  Tryon  County  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein 
he  informs  that  John  Cuppernul  who  formerly  resided  at 
Stonearabia  is  removed  to  Schohary,  and  the  said  John  Cup- 
pernul being  a  material  Witness  against  Jacob  J.  Truax  — 

Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Letter  that  a  Letter 
be  wrote  to  Peter  Vrooman  Esq-  at  Schohary  requesting  him 
to  take  the  said  John  Cuppernull's  Recognizance  for  his 
appearance  at  the  next  supream  Court  and  transmit  the  same 
to  this  Board  to  be  handed  to  the  Court  — 

Evert  Jansen  being  committed  on  a  charge  of  having 
harboured  Joseph  Bettis  was  brought  before  the  Board  and 
Examined    Ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  23d  July  1781  — 

July  23.  [Present] 


John  M.  Beeckman  )  f  Samuel  S 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         j  ( 


tnnger 


Jacob  France  of  Thurlough  who  was  committed  on  the 
20^  Instant  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  Examined 
saith  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File)  — 
Ordered  that  he  be  recommitted  — 


Adjourned  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  751 


Met  Albany  24^  July  1781  —  »78i 

PJllly  2£. 
resent 

John  M.  Beeckman  )  (  T        r\  t?  1 

.  1  Isaac  D.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        )   \  ( 

William  summer  of  Thurlough  having  been  sent  to 
Goal  by  Col-  VVillet  on  Account  of  his  having  assisted  the 
[463]  Enemy  in  the  Destruction  of  Currey  Town  being 
brought  before  the  Board  and  Examined  saith  as  follows 
(see  Examination  on  File)  —  Ordered  that  he  be  recom- 
mitted — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  25th  July  1781  - 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  c        ,  c 

J  V      <  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  U.  ronda         )  (. 

Resolved  that  Anne  Conning  be  liberated  from  Confine- 
ment on  James  Jolley's  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  her 
Appearance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  of  Judicature  to  be 
held  for  the  State  of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  the  City 
of  Albany  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  July  Instant  (or  whereso- 
ever the  said  Court  shall  then  be  held  in  the  State  aforesaid) 
to  answer  to  such  Matters  as  shall  be  alledged  against  her 
and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  leave  — 

James  Jolly  of  the  West  District  of  the  Manor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  as  Bail  for 
Anne  Conning  in   £100 

Henry  Haines,  Coenradt  Brown,  Frederick  Merkle, 
Michael  Merkle,  Christian  Merkle,  Mathias  Merkle,  Ann 
Frets,  Henry  Haines  Jun^,  Christopher  Redick,  Henry 
Frandts,  Coenradt  Hopper,  Jacobus  Hopper,  George  Walker, 
John  Summer,  Christian  Minor,  Michael  Frederick,  Johannis 


752 


State  of  New  York 


x,78i  Coenradt,  Christian  Ottman,  Jacob  Haines,  David  Coffman, 
aly  25.  .  1 

and  George  Cross  having  been  apprehended  by  order  of 

Col1-  Willett  on  the  Charge  alledged  against  him  [them] 

by  William  Summer  of  their  having  Assisted  the  Enemy 

in  the  Destruction  of  Currey  Town  and  they  being  sent 

down  to  this  Board  resolved  that  they  be  confined  and  that  a 

Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  — 

[464]  It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  William 
Summer  that  William  Petrie  Esq-  of  Tryon  County  will  be 
wanted  as  a  witness  at  the  ensuing  Supream  Court  against 
the  above  mentioned  Persons  from  Thurlough  therefore 
resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  him  requesting  his  Attend- 
ance at  that  Time  — 

Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  also  wrote  to  David  Lewis 
requesting  his  attendance  at  the  next  Supream  Court  as  a 
witness  against  the  above  mentioned  from  Thurlough  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  26th  July  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Isaac  D  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        j  (. 

Haze[l]ton  Spencer  who  was  some  time  ago  with  the 
approbation  of  General  Clinton  liberated  from  Confinement 
and  restricted  to  the  Limits  of  this  City  appeared  before  the 
Board  and  laid  before  us  a  further  Approbation  of  General 
Clinton  to  permit  the  said  Hazelton  Spencer  to  go  and  reside 
at  the  New  City  and  the  same  having  been  taken  into  Con- 
sideration and  Abraham  Jacob  Lansing  who  is  surety  for  the 
said  Hazelton  Spencer  consenting  to  the  same  therefore 
resolved  that  the  said  Hazelton  Spencer  have  leave  accordingly 
and  that  he  be  ordered  to  make  his  appearance  before  this 


1781 
July  26. 


V 

Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  753 


Board  once  every  Week  during  the  time  he  remains  at  the  x78i 
New  City  as  aforesaid.  **uly  2 

William  Somer  being  brought  before  the  Board  was  again 
Examined  and  ordered  to  be  recommitted 

Adjourned  — 

[465]  Met  Albany  27th  July  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  r  , 
£  .  Y      <  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  ( 

Christina  Hooper  formerly  of  Thurlough  in  Tryon  County 
having  been  cited  to  appear  before  the  Board  and  she  appear- 
ing this  day  agreeable  to  the  said  Order  and  being  Examined 
as  to  the  Thurlough  Inhabitants  saith  as  follows  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File)  — 

Coenradt  Brown,  Christian  Ottman,  and  Jacob  Haines 
Jun-  being  brought  before  the  Board  were  Examined  and 
Ordered  to  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  28^  July  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T  t-  j 

^        ,  o   •  r      1  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  { 

A  Letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell  Esq'  dated  27-  Instant  was 
laid  before  the  Board  informing  that  he  sends  down  under 
Guard  John  Ward  who  was  apprehended  near  Ballstown 
and  was  supposed  to  be  on  his  way  to  Canada  — 

And  the  said  John  Ward  being  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  and  it  appearing  that  he  is  a  Deserter  from 
the  Enemy  and  has  hitherto  conducted  himself  well  there- 
fore resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 


1781 
July  27. 


1781 
July  28. 


754 


State  of  New  York 


I78l8       Archibald  M^Neal  appeared  before  the  Board  and  re- 
*^uly       quested  Permission  to  go  to  his  Place  of  abode  at  the  Scotch 
Patent  to  which  his  Bail  Evans  Umphrey  consenting  resolved 
that  he  [466]  have  Permission  accordingly  until  the  first  day 
of  September  next  — 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  30^  July  1781  — 

July  so.  Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  0        ,  0  . 

i  t-     1  f     1  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  u.  fonda         j  ( 

A  Letter  from  Flores  Bancker  Esq^  dated  29—  Instant 
was  laid  before  the  Board  setting  forth  that  a  Number  of 
disaffected  Persons  have  lately  been  removed  from  the 
Western  Frontiers  to  the  East  side  of  the  River  who  he  has 
great  Reason  to  beleive  from  sundry  Circumstances  are 
meditating  some  Scheme  against  the  wellfare  of  the  State 
and  requesting  directions  what  steps  it  will  be  necessary  to 
take  with  the  above  Persons  — 

And  the  subject  of  the  above  Letter  being  taken  into 
Consideration  —  Resolved  that  it  be  recommended  to  the 
said  Flores  Bancker  to  make  every  possible  discovery  with 
Respect  to  the  above  Matter  and  transmit  the  same  without 
delay  to  this  Board  — 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  William  Summer 
that  Christopher  France  formerly  an  Inhabitant  of  Thurlough 
who  at  present  resides  at  Nistageune  was  in  the  Year  1778 
on  his  way  to  join  Gen-  S-  Ledger  when  he  had  invested 
Fort  Schuyler  and  that  he  last  Fall  also  went  to  Schohary 
to  assist  Sir  John  Johnson  in  the  destruction  of  Schohary 
resolved  therefore  that  a  warrant  be  made  [467]  out  directed 
to  Jacob  Kidney  to  apprehend  the  said  Christopher  France 
and  forthwith  bring  him  before  the  Board  — 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  755 


The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Arthur  Hewit  j^?8r 
of  Pits  Town  is  able  to  give  some  very  material  Information 
respecting  Simeon  Smith  therefore  resolved  that  the  said 
Arthur  Hewit  be  cited  to  appear  before  this  Board  in  Order 
that  he  may  be  examined  as  to  the  Conduct  of  the  said 
Simeon  Smith  — 

Jellis  Legrange  requesting  to  be  brought  before  the  Board 
informed  us  that  Joseph  Bettis  with  some  others  are  lately 
come  from  Canada  and  that  there  is  a  Prospect  in  case  a 
Party  of  Men  should  be  sent  out  that  the  said  Bettis  might 
be  apprehended  — 

Resolved  that  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information 
that  application  be  immediately  made  for  a  Party  of  Con- 
tinental Troops  to  go  in  search  of  the  said  Joseph  Bettis  and 
that  the  said  Party  be  directed  to  go  to  the  House  of  the 
said  Jellis  Legrange  and  one  Flager  where  they  will  strictly 
search  for  them  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  31*  July  1781  T  *7Si 

Present  JlUy  * 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  r        ~   „  , 
i,        in-  r      1  Isaac  D.  fonda 

Samuel  Stringer         j  (. 

Jellis  Legrange  again  requesting  to  be  brought  before  the 
Board  &  being  brought  accordingly  says  that  Hans  Walty- 
mier  is  lately  also  come  from  Canada  that  he  has  brought 
Dispatches  for  some  Persons  in  this  City  and  that  he  Yester- 
day was  in  Town  with  them  [468]  resolved  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  said  Jellis  Legrange  to  make  what  further 
discoveries  he  is  able  and  that  this  Board  will  in  that  Case 
use  their  Influence  with  the  Supream  Court  to  procure  his 
liberation  from  Confinement  — 

Christian  Legrange  appeared  before  the  Board  and  in- 


756 


State  of  New  York 


1781  formed  that  Joe  Bettis  has  this  day  been  at  his  House  and 
Jo  y  31.  ^e  sajj  Bett;is  informed  the  said  Christian  Legrange's 

wife  that  he  is  this  night  to  be  at  the  House  of  one  Fagler 
whose  son  went  to  Canada  some  Time  since  with  the  said 
Joe  Bettis  in  Consequence  of  which  Information  resolved 
that  the  Honorable  Brigadier  Gen-  James  Clinton  be 
requested  to  order  out  a  Party  of  Col1-  Cortlandt's  Regiment 
to  apprehend  the  said  Joe  Bettis 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  2-  August  1781  — 

AuS-  2-  Present 


Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       f  T        ^  „  , 
•i        ,  n   •  r      1  Isaac  U.  .Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 


Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Hendrick  Haines  of  Thurlough  be  dis- 
charged from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  good  Behaviour  and  appearance  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Hendrick  Haines  of  Thurlough  in  the  County 
of  Tryon  Farmer  in   £100 

John  RofF  of  the  City  of  Albany  Merchant 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

^1781        [469]  Met  Albany  4V1  August  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  .        „  „  , 
^        ,  _  .  f      i  Isaac  u.  Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  (. 

Resolved  that  Rykert  Kerknaer  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  757 


doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com-  AI7Sl 
missioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Rykert  Kernaer  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

Francis  Rosseau  of  the  same  Place  Farmer 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Michael  Bruce  enter  into  a  Recognizance 
for  his  good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present 
War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Michael  Bruce  of  the  West  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in. . . .  £100 

Joshua  Bloore  of  the  City  of  Albany  Mer- 
chant his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  6^  August  1781  —  1781 


Present 


Present 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  n        ,  0  . 

t        i~\  T-*     1  r      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         )  ( 


Aug.  6 


John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  n        .  n  . 

i  t>     1  C      i  Samuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda        )       (  b 

Edward  M;Gurkey  confined  on  the  Complaint  of  Cap^ 
John  Groote  for  endeavoring  to  enlist  the  said  John  Groot[e] 
[470]  for  the  service  of  the  enemy  was  brought  before  the 
Board  and  as  no  Indictment  has  been  found  against  him  — 
Therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  from  Confinement — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  7^  August  1781  Aug81?. 


758 


State  of  New  York 


17S1  Resolved  that  Tacobus  Van  Valkenburgh  be  discharged 
Aug.  7.  J  ,  °  ° 

from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 

good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 

three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 

required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with 

Great  Britain  — 

Jacobus  Van  Valkenburgh  of  the  West  Dis- 
trict of  the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck 
Farmer  in   £100 

John  Oliver  of  the  same  place  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 

Christian  Merkle  of  Thurlough  at  present  in  Confinement 
being  very  111  and  as  a  Continuance  in  his  present  Situation 
may  endanger  his  Life  —  Therefore  resolved  that  he  have 
Permission  to  go  to  the  House  of  Christian  Earing  in  this 
City  untill  he  is  recovered  of  his  Indisposition  — 

Adjourned  — 

^781^  Met  Albany  8l.h  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  \      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         j       (  Stewart  Dean 

An  Attempt  having  last  Night  been  made  by  [471]  Hans 
Waltimier  with  a  Party  of  Men  to  carry  off  General  Schuyler 
and  it  appearing  probable  that  he  will  endeavour  to  Escape 
by  the  way  of  the  Nistageune  Road  — 

It  is  therefore  Resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Col- 
Philip  Schuyler  requesting  him  to  detach  Cap-  Levinis 
Lansing's  Company  to  go  to  the  Wothoyct1  and  there  remain 
until  to  Morrow  Morning  and  that  he  dispose  of  the  Re- 

1  Evidently  written  corruptly  for  Uytkyck,  a  hill  on  the  old  road  to 
Niskayuna;  also  written  at  times  as  Kyck-uyt,  and  in  English  as  Outlook. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies 


mainder  of  his  Men  in  such  a  Way  as  he  mav  iud*re  best  T7Sl 

.  Aug.  8 

to  intercept  the  said  Waltimier  and  his  Party  — 

Resolved  also  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Col-  John  H. 
Beeckman  at  Schodack  to  order  out  a  Party  of  his  Regiment 
to  Guard  the  shore  from  the  Kinderhook  Dock  to  Schodack 
in  Case  Waltimier  may  Attempt  to  Cross  the  River 

It  being  represented  to  the  Board  that  James  Dunneway 
of  this  City  has  been  sworn  by  a  Party  of  Men  in  the 
Woods  —  Resolved  in  Consequence  of  the  said  Information 
that  the  said  James  Dunneway  be  sent  for  and  Examined  — 

James  Dunneway  appearing  and  being  Examined  says 
that  a  few  days  ago  he  was  in  the  Woods  about  five  or  Six 
Miles  from  Town  where  he  was  taken  Prisoner  by  three 
Men  who  swore  him  to  Secrecy  and  that  he  has  not  since 
that  Time  seen  them  again  ordered  that  he  be  discharged  — 

jellis  Legrange  at  present  in  Confinement  having  informed 
the  Board  that  Waltimier  has  been  in  Town  with  Letters 
from  Canada  and  that  he  has  received  his  Information 
from  William  Empie  &  Terence  [472]  Smith  who  are  also 
in  Confinement  wherefore  resolved  that  the  said  William 
Empie  and  Terence  Smith  be  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  as  to  the  same  — 

William  Empie  and  Terence  Smith  being  examined  refuse 
to  give  any  satisfactory  Answers  to  the  Questions  proposed 
to  them  therefore  resolved  that  they  be  recommitted  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  9^  August  1781  1781 
Present  Aug' 9 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         f      \  Stewart  Dean 

It  appearing  to  this  Board  highly  probable  from  sundry 
Circumstances  that  Major  Reed  (who  at  present  lives  in 


760 


State  of  New  York 


J78i  the  House  formerly  occupied  by  John  Tunnicliff)  was  privy 
Aug.  9.  to  Attempt  made  by  Hans  Waltimier  to  take  General 
Schuyler  and  as  it  is  suspected  that  the  said  Major  Read  car- 
ries on  a  Correspondence  with  several  Persons  in  Canada  — 
It  is  therefore  resolved  that  application  be  made  to  General 
Clinton  for  a  Party  of  Men  to  go  and  apprehend  him  and 
that  Mf  Fonda  one  of  the  Members  of  this  Board  go  with 
the  said  Party  for  the  Purpose  of  searching  his  House  for 
treasonable  Papers  — 

The  Board  having  great  Reason  to  think  that  Hans 
Waltimier  who  a  few  days  ago  was  in  Town  with  Letters 
from  Canada  has  been  at  the  House  of  Ivy  Chambers  in 
this  City  and  it  being  the  Opinion  of  this  Board  that  by 
searching  the  House  of  the  said  Ivy  Chambers  [473]  Papers 
might  be  found  which  have  come  from  Canada  therefore 
resolved  that  Mf  Stringer  &  M[  Dean  go  to  the  House  of 
the  said  Ivy  Chambers  and  mr.ke  search  for  such  Papers  — 

It  appearing  to  this  Board  from  the  Information  received 
by  Isaac  D.  Fonda  Esq-  One  of  the  Members  of  this  Board 
that  two  Young  Men  living  on  the  Nistageune  Road  have 
joined  Walitmier's  Party  and  assisted  in  attempting  to  take 
General  Schuyler  therefore  resolved  that  a  Warrant  be  made 
out  for  their  immediate  apprehension  — 

Adjourned  — 

1781  Met  Albany  10^  Aug-  1781  — 

Aug.  10.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman 
Isaac  D.  Fonda 

James  Milligan  having  come  to  this  place  from  Saragtoga, 
and  General  Schuyler  intimating  to  this  Board  that  the  said 
James  Milligan  is  come  with  a  bad  design  and  requesting  to 


Samuel  Stringer 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  761 


have  him  examined  and  he  being  apprehended  and  brought  *78i 
before  this  Board  and  being  examined  and  not  answering 
satisfactorily  to  the  Questions  proposed  to  him  and  there 
being  Reasons  to  suspect  that  he  is  a  Spy  therefore  resolved 
that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for 
him  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  11^  August  1781  —  Augfii. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  _        .  n  . 

j  t-     1  r      "i  Samuel  btnnger 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       (  to 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Board  that  Michael  Merkle  at 
present  in  Confinement  is  sick  and  that  a  [474]  Continuance 
in  his  present  Confinement  may  endanger  his  life  therefore 
resolved  that  he  be  liberated  on  his  entering  into  a  Recogni- 
zance with  a  sufficient  surety  for  his  remaining  within  the 
House  and  Yard  of  Christian  Earing  situate  in  the  third 
Ward  of  this  City  until  he  is  recovered  of  his  Sickness  and  in 
the  mean  Time  be  of  the  good  Behaviour  and  appear  before 
any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when 
thereunto  required  — 

Michael  Merkle  of  Thurlough  in  the  County 

of  Tryon  Farmer  in   £100 

Christian  Earing  of  the  City  of  Albany  Mer- 
chant his  Bail  in   £100 

Lieu1  John  Leonard  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  there  has  been  a  Party  of  armed  Men  at  his  House 
last  Night  who  came  with  an  Intention  to  carry  him  off  and 
that  they  have  much  abused  his  Wife  and  there  being  a 
Prospect  of  apprehending  them  in  Case  a  Party  of  Men 
could  be  procured  to  go  with  the  said  Lieu-  Leonard  there- 


762 


State  of  New  York 


1  fore  resolved  that  application  be  made  for  a  Party  of  Men 
to  Gen1-  Clinton  to  endeavour  to  [ajpprehend  the  said  Per- 
sons — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  I2l:h  August  1781  — 

Present 

Tohn  M.  Beeckman  )       (  T        ^  ^  . 
i        .  n   .  r      i  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

Samuel  Stringer         )  (. 

Lieu-  John  Leonard  who  Yesterday  went  [475]  out  with 
a  Party  [of]  Men  having  apprehended  Thomas  Brown  for 
harbouring  Joseph  Bettis  and  the  said  Thomas  Brown 
being  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  resolved  that 
he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  13^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      j  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Stewart  Dean 

A  Letter  from  Col1-  MTnstrey  the  Commanding  officer  at 
Saragtoga  was  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  he  informs  that 
he  sends  down  to  us  under  Guard  a  certain  Moses  Harris 
Junj"  who  he  has  caused  to  be  apprehended  on  suspicion  of 
his  purchasing  Provisions  for  the  supply  of  the  Enemy  and 
he  being  brought  before  the  Board  and  examined  and  we 
being  of  Opinion  that  the  said  Harris  is  not  a  Person  of  so 
dangerous  a  Character  as  represented  by  Col1-  MTnstrey 
therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  on  his  procuring 
Bail  for  his  future  good  Behaviour  — 

An  Indian  Woman  living  with  M1?  Gibbon's  in  this  City 
having  reported  that  she  saw  in  the  Woods  a  dead  Man  who 


1 781 

Aug.  12. 


1781 
Aug.  13. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  763 


appeared  to  be  murdered  and  his  Worship  the  Mayor1  of  this  AJJSl 
City  having  gone  out  to  View  the  Dead  Body  and  not  being 
able  to  find  the  same  and  we  being  of  Opinion  that  M- 
Gibbons  her  Mistress  whose  Husband  is  gone  ofF  to  the 
Enemy  has  caused  the  said  Indian  Woman  to  raise  the  said 
report  with  a  [476]  View  to  draw  the  Mayor  out  of  the  City 
in  order  to  his  being  carried  ofF  by  Persons  prepared  for 
that  Purpose  therefore  resolved  that  the  said  Indian  Woman 
be  apprehended  and  that  the  said  M-  Gibbons  be  ordered 
immediately  to  appear  before  this  Board  — 

The  above  mentioned  Indian  Woman  being  apprehended 
and  examined  acknowledges  that  there  was  a  Party  of  Men 
in  the  Woods  who  told  her  to  go  to  the  Mayor  and  inform 
him  that  there  was  a  Man  murdered  in  the  Woods  resolved 
that  she  be  committed  — 

M"  Gibbons  appearing  and  being  examined  denies  that 
she  knew  any  Thing  of  the  Report  propogated  by  her  Wench 
resolved  that  she  be  discharged  for  the  present  an[d]  ordered 
to  attend  again  to  Morrow  Morning  — 

M-  Haywood  being  also  supposed  to  be  concerned  in  the 
above  Scheme  to  have  the  Mayor  taken  Prisoner  being  sent 
for  and  examined  and  she  denying  the  charge  ordered  that 
she  attend  again  to  Morrow  Morning  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  14^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [  \  Samuel  Stringer 
Stewart  Dean  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 

A  Letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell  and  Abraham  Outhout  Esq^ 
Commissioners  for  Conspi-  [477]  racies  at  Schenectady  was 

1  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  was  mayor  of  Albany  at  this  time.     He  had 
been  appointed  by  Governor  Clinton  in  April,  1779. 


1781 
Aug.  14. 


764 


State  of  New  York 


x78i  laid  before  the  Board  wherein  they  inform  that  they  send 
ag.  14.  .  J  J 

down  to  us  Daniel  Taylor  a  Person  notoriously  disaffected 

to  the  American  Cause  who  is  a  Brother  in  Law  of  Joseph 
Bettis  and  has  known  of  the  said  Bettis  being  in  the  Country 
without  giving  any  Information  concerning  the  same  and 
the  said  Daniel  Taylor  being  Examined  resolved  that  he  be 
committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Frederick  Crants  appearing  before  the  Board  informed 
us  that  he  would  become  Bail  for  Christian  Merkle  and 
Michael  Merkle  who  were  liberated  from  Confinement  on 
Account  of  their  being  Sick  resolved  that  Christian  Earing  be 
discharged  from  the  Recognizance  by  him  entered  into  for  the 
said  Michael  Merkle  and  Christian  Merkle  and  that  the  said 
Frederick  Crants  accordingly  enter  into  a  Recognizance 
for  the  said  Christian  Merkle  and  Michael  Merkle  remaining 
within  the  Limits  of  his  the  said  Frederick  Crants's  Farm 
and  that  the  said  Christian  Merkle  &  Michael  Merkle  will 
surrender  themselves  as  Prisoners  to  this  Board  when  they 
shall  have  recovered  their  Health  and  for  their  good  Be- 
haviour during  that  Time  — 

Frederick  Crants  of  the  West  District  of  the 
Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  as  Bail 
for  Christian  Merkle  and  Michael  Merkle 
in   £100 

Adjourned  — 

[478]         Met  Albany  16^  August  1781  — 
Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )       (  Stewart  Dean 


1781 
Aug.  16. 


Cap-  Holtham  Dunham  &  Lieu'  Benonie  Grant  having 
had  Conferences  in  the  Woods  with  David  Jones  and  other 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  765 


Persons  from  Canada  and  having  been  detected  in  the  same  A*£Sl 
and  to  avoid  Punishment  made  their  Escape  with  a[n]  Inten- 
tion to  go  to  Canada  and  having  been  apprehended  and 
sent  down  by  Col-  M;Kinstrey  in  order  to  be  confined  and 
the  said  Holtham  Dunham  being  brought  before  the  Board 
and  examined  says  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on 
File) 

Resolved  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  them  and  that 
the  examination  of  Benoni  Grant  be  postponed  until  to 
Morrow  Morning  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  17^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [      (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        \      (  Stewart  Dean 

Benonie  Grant  who  was  Yesterday  committed  to  Goal 
being  brought  before  the  Board  was  Examined  his  Examina- 
tion is  as  follows  (to  wit)  (see  Examination  on  File) 

Resolved  that  Copies  of  the  Examination's  of  Holtham 
Dunham  and  Benoni  Grant  be  made  out  and  transmitted  to 
his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  — 

[479]  It  appearing  highly  probable  to  this  Board  from 
the  Information  of  Cap-  Gerrit  Groesbeeck  &  William  Hunn 
that  Thomas  Reed  who  at  present  resides  on  the  Farm  of 
John  TunniclifF  near  this  City  knew  of  the  Party  that 
attempted  to  take  General  Schuyler  Prisoner  being  in  the 
Woods  and  was  acquainted  with  their  Intentions  and  the 
said  Thomas  Reed  from  his  Intimacy  and  Connections  with 
Dr  George  Smith  and  other  disaffected  Persons  to  the  Ameri- 
can Cause  giving  great  Reason  to  this  Board  to  suspect  that 
he  is  concerned  in  a  Scheme  prejudicial  to  the  Publick  good  — 


1781 
Aug.  :7. 


766 


State  of  New  York 


*78i  Therefore  resolved  that  a  Warrant  be  made  out  directed 
jg.  17. 

to  Jacob  Kidney  to  apprehend  and  bring  before  us  said 
Thomas  Reed  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  18^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  \      \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer         J       (  Stewart  Dean 

Thomas  Reed  having  been  apprehended  by  Jacob  Kidney 
agreeable  to  the  Warrant  of  this  Board  and  being  examined 
resolved  that  he  be  committed  and  that  a  Mittimus  be  made 
out  for  him  — 

Cap-  Robert  Woodward  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  he  had  apprehended  a  Man  who  calls 
himself  Benoni  Robins  Forrister  who  he  suspects  to  be  a 
British  Officer  passing  through  the  Country  as  a  Spy  and 
the  said  Benoni  Robins  Forrister  being  examined  and  not 
being  possessed  of  any  Vouchers  relative  [480]  to  his  Attach- 
ment to  the  American  Cause  and  being  unable  to  give  a 
satisfactory  account  of  himself  therefore  resolved  that  he  be 
committed  until  he  shall  produce  a  Certificate  of  his  Char- 
acter and  ordered  that  a  Mittimus  be  made  out  for  him  — 

Adjourned  — 

I78i  Met  Albany  21-  August  1781  — 

Aug.  ax.  Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        \      (  Stewart  Dean 

It  appearing  from  the  Examination  of  Cap'  Holtham 
Dunham  and  Benoni  Grant  that  a  certain  Rodgers  who 
lives  at  Fiddle  Town  near  Saragtoga  has  supplied  David 


1781 
Aug.  18. 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  767 


Tones  with  his  Party  who  had  come  from  Canada  and  were  .  1781 

Aug.  21* 

secreted  in  the  Woods  for  the  Purpose  of  taking  Major 
McKinstrey  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Saragtoga  Prisoner 
therefore  resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Major  McKinstrey 
requesting  him  to  have  the  said  Rogers  apprehended  and 
sent  down  to  this  Board  as  soon  as  possible  — 

Lieu-  Moses  Hudson  appeared  before  the  Board  and 
informed  us  that  a  Young  Man  of  the  Name  of  Fagler  who 
was  last  Year  seduced  by  Joe  Bettis  to  go  to  Canada  has 
returned  and  has  sent  in  word  that  he  is  desirous  of  sur- 
rendering himself  up  provided  he  is  not  confined  —  Re- 
solved that  Lieu-  Hudson  be  informed  that  if  the  said 
Fagler  [give]  himself  up  to  this  Board  and  will  make  a  full 
and  [481]  ample  Confession  of  such  Matters  as  he  is  ac- 
quainted with  that  in  such  Case  the  said  Fagler  will  be 
discharged  on  giving  surety  for  his  future  good  Conduct  — 

Adjourned  — 


Present 


Met  Albany  22^?  August  1781  —  Aug822. 


John  M.  Beeckmann  )       (  „        .  _  . 

i        „   „     ,  1       1  bamuel  Stringer 

Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       (  b 

The  Board  being  informed  that  James  Clay  is  returned 
from  Canada  and  that  he  lurks  about  the  House  of  Henry 
Haywood  his  Father  in  Law  on  Jan  Fonda's  Land  in  the 
Vicinity  of  this  City  and  Lieu^  Jacob  Winney  having  offered 
to  apprehend  the  said  James  Clay  therefore  resolved  that 
a  Warrant  be  made  out  directed  to  Lieu^  Winney  &  that 
he  be  thereby  authorized  to  search  the  House  of  the  said 
Henry  Haywood  and  all  other  suspicious  Houses  in  that 
Neighbourhood  — 

Resolved  that  Moses  Harris  Jun!"  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 


768 


State  of  New  York 


Aug822  Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Moses  Harris  Jun^  late  of  Dutchess  County 
Labourer  in   £100 

Dirck  Swart  of  Stillwater  in  the  County  of 
Albany  Esq^  his  Bail  in   £100 

Cap-  William  Hun  having  been  requested  to  appear 
before  the  Board  to  be  examined  with  Respect  [482]  to 
Thomas  Reed  at  present  in  Confinement  appeared  his 
examination  being  taken  is  in  the  words  following  (to  wit) 
(see  Examination  on  File) 

Adjourned  — 

Aug7.8^.  Met  Albany  23?  Aug^  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )      (  n  ~ 
j        ^  _     .  >      i  Stewart  Dean 

Isaac  D.  ronda        )  ( 

A  Letter  was  laid  before  the  Board  by  Edward  Chin  Esq? 
from  Thomas  Reed  setting  forth  that  his  wife  has  been 
brought  to  Bed  and  that  she  is  exceedingly  111  and  request- 
ing to  be  released  from  Confinement  for  a  few  Days  which 
application  being  seconded  by  the  said  Edward  Chin  resolved 
that  for  the  Reason  above  assigned  the  said  Thomas  Reed 
be  liberated  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  to  appear  on 
Monday  the  27^  Day  of  August  Instant  at  the  City  Hall 
in  this  City  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  and  for  his  good  Behaviour  in  the  mean  Time  — 

Thomas  Reed  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Yeoman  in .  .  .  £500 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  769 


Philip  Van  Rensselaer  of  the  City  of  Albany  ^  T78i 

Esqf  his  Bail  in   £250 

Edward  Chin  of  the  same  place  Esq^  also 
his  Rail  in   £250 

Adjourned  — 

[483]         Met  Albany  24^  August  1781  —  A^fl* 
Present 

John  M  Beeekman  )       (  T  t?  1 

.  >      <  Isaac  U.  ronda 

Samuel  Stringer        )  ( 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  among 
those  Persons  who  took  John  Js  Bleecker  Esq"^  and  who  are 
at  present  Prisoners  at  Bennington  there  are  some  who  are 
Inhabitants  of  this  State  and  as  Justice  demands  that  they 
should  be  punished  agreeable  to  Law  — 

Therefore  resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  his  Excellency 
Thomas  Chittendon  Esq-  at  Arlington  requesting  him  to 
cause  the  said  Persons  to  be  delivered  over  to  the  Civil 
Authority  of  this  State  which  Letter  is  in  the  Words  follow- 
ing (to  wit)  (see  Copy  Letter  on  File) 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  25-  August  1 78 1  —  Aug.  25. 

Present 

John  M.  Beeekman  )       \  Isaac  D.  Fonda 
Samuel  Stringer        )      \  Stewart  Dean 

Daniel  Taylor  being  at  his  own  request  brought  before 
the  Board  was  examined  and  ordered  to  be  recommitted 

The  Board  having  received  Information  that  Archibald 
M^Neal  who  by  his  Recognizance  was  restricted  to  the 
Limits  of  this  City  has  exceeded  the  Bounds  prescribed  to 
him  in  the  said  Recognizance  therefore  resolved  that  his 


77o 


State  of  New  York 


1781     Bails  Thomas  Shipboy  and  Robert  M'rQallen  be  ordered 

Aug.  25.  r  J 

forthwith  to  deliver  up  to  this  Board  [484]  the  said  Archi- 
bald McNeal  — 

Adjourned  — 

A^827>  Met  Albany  27^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        \       (  Stewart  Dean 

Thomas  Reed  appeared  before  the  Board  agreeable  to  the 
Tenor  of  the  Recognizance  entered  into  by  him  on  the  23? 
Instant  and  requested  of  the  Board  Permission  to  remain 
with  his  Family  some  Days  longer  on  Account  of  the  Illness 
of  his  wife  resolved  on  taking  the  same  into  Consideration 
that  Permission  be  granted  him  accordingly  on  his  entering 
into  a  Recognizance  to  appear  on  Monday  the  3-  day  of 
September  next  at  the  City  Hall  before  any  three  of  the 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  to  be  of  good  Behaviour 
during  that  time  &  not  to  aid,  Comfort,  Assist,  Entertain, 
harbour  or  hold  any  Correspondence  either  by  word  or 
deed  upon  Political  Matters  with  any  Person  or  Persons 
inimical  to  the  Liberties  of  Independance  of  this  or  the 
United  States  of  America  and  that  he  do  not  depart  the 
Limits  &  Bounds  of  the  Farm  he  at  present  resides  on 
untill  he  comes  to  make  his  Appearance  as  aforesaid  — 

Thomas  Reed  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Gentleman  in . .  £500 

Leonard  Gansevoort  of  the  City  of  Albany 
Esqr  his  Bail  in   £250 

Cornelius  Cuyler  of  the  same  place  Esq- 
also  his  Bail  in   £250 

[485]  Resolved  that  Adrian  Bradt  Jun-  be  discharged 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  771 


from  Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his 
good  Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any 
three  of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  there- 
unto required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War 
with  Great  Britain  — 

Adrian  Bradt  Junf  of  the  West  District  of 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in.  £100 

John  Devoe  of  the  same  Place  Farmer  his 

Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Henry  Haines  Jun[  be  discharged  from 
Confinement  on  Henry  Haines  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  the  good  Behaviour  of  the  said  Henry  Haines  Jun;  for 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  said 
Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  dur- 
ing the  continuance  of  the  Present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Henry  Haines  late  of  Thurlough  in  Tryon 
County  Farmer  as  Bail  for  his  son  Henry 
Haines  JunT  in   .£400 

Resolved  that  John  Sommer  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  Jacob  Lawyer  entering  into  a  Recognizance 
for  the  good  Behaviour  of  the  said  John  Sommer  &  for  his 
doing  his  Duty  &  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  Present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Jacob  Lawyer  of  the  City  of  Albany  on  Rec- 
ognizance as  Bail  for  John  Sommer  in.  .  .  £200 

Archibald  M-Neal  being  brought  before  the  [486]  Board 
by  his  Bail  agreeable  to  the  order  of  this  Board  of  the  25th 
Instant  and  being  interrogated  as  to  his  exceeding  the 
Bounds  prescribed  by  his  Recognizance  and  it  appearing 
to  have  been  done  ignorantly  and  with  no  bad  design  there- 
fore resolved  that  he  be  discharged  — 


772 


State  of  New  York 


Aug.  28 


.  x78i  A  Letter  from  Hugh  Mitchell  Esq-  dated  at  Schenectady 
Aug.  27.  to  ^  J 

the  14—  Instant  inclosing  a  Copy  of  an  Examination  of 

Daniel  Taylor  now  in  Confinement  was  laid  before  the 

Board  which  Letter  and  Examination  are  in  the  following 

words  (to  wit)  (see  Letter  and  Examination  on  File) 

Adjourned 

ij8ir  Met  Albany  28^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         f      (  Stewart  Dean 

Resolved  that  Christian  Miner  be  discharged  from  Con- 
finement on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  Duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  Present  War  with 
Great  Britain  — 

Christian   Miner  of  New   Rhraebeeck  in 

Tryon  County  Farmer  in   £100 

Jacob  Bleecker  Jun1:  of  the  City  of  Albany 
his  Bail  in   £100 

Resolved  that  Frederick  Merkle  be  discharged  [487]  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto 
required  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with 
Great  Britain 

Frederick  Merkle  late  of  Thurlough  in  the 

County  of  Tryon  Farmer  in   £100 

Stephen  Frederick  of  the  West  District  in 
the  Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  his 
Bail  in   £100 


Minutes  of  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  773 


Resolved  that  William  Baker  who  is  surety  for  Tames  x78i 

.  Aug.  28. 

Bruce  be  ordered  forthwith  to  deliver  up  the  said  James 
Bruce  as  the  Board  are  of  Opinion  that  he  ought  to  be  bound 
in  a  New  Recognizance  — 

Adjourned 

Met  Albany  29th  August  1781  —  Aug829 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  [      \  Samuel  Stringer 
Isaac  D.  Fonda        \      1  Stewart  Dean 

Resolved  that  Earnest  Fretz  be  discharged  from  Confine- 
ment on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good  Behaviour 
doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Com- 
missioners of  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during 
the  Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 
Earnest  Fretz  late  of  Thurlough  in  the  County 

of  Tryon  Farmer  in   £100 

Christopher  RofF  of  the  West  District  of  the 

Manor  of  Rensselaerwyck  Farmer  in   £100 

[48S]  Frederick  Crans  who  was  surety  for  Christopher 
Merkle  until  he  should  be  recovered  of  his  Illness  appeared 
before  the  Board  and  surrendered  the  said  Christian  Merkle 
and  as  Frederick  Merkle  is  willing  to  become  Bail  for  the 
said  Christian  Merkle  and  as  there  are  no  material  Charges 
against  him  therefore  resolved  that  he  be  discharged  on  the 
said  Frederick  Merkle's  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for 
the  good  Behaviour  of  the  said  Christian  Merkle  for  doing 
his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Conspiracies  when  thereunto  required  during  the  Con- 
tinuance of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain. 
Frederick  Merkle  late  of  Thurlough  in  the 
County  of  Tryon  Farmer  as  Bail  for  Chris- 
tian Merkle  in   £100 


774 


State  of  New  York 


1781        The  Board  having  received  Information  from  which  they 

Kg.   2Q.  ,°  m  J 

are  induced  to  think  that  the  Persons  living  on  a  Place 
formerly  in  the  Possession  of  [blank]  Cumming  at  Kat's 
Kill  are  endeavouring  by  every  Means  to  injure  the  Amer- 
ican Cause  and  as  their  Situation  is  such  that  they  have 
it  in  their  Power  to  afford  Assistance  to  Parties  coming  from 
the  Enemy  therefore  resolved  that  a  Letter  be  wrote  to  Col1- 
Du  Bois  at  Kat's  Kill  requesting  him  to  cause  them  to  be 
removed  as  soon  as  possible  — 

Adjourned  — 

Met  Albany  30^  August  1781  — 

Present 

John  M.  Beeckman  )       (  Stewart  Dean 
Isaac  D.  Fonda         )       (  Samuel  Stringer 

Resolved  that  Coonradt  Brcwn  be  discharged  [489]  from 
Confinement  on  entering  into  a  Recognizance  for  his  good 
Behaviour  doing  his  duty  and  appearing  before  any  three 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  for  and  during  the 
Continuance  of  the  present  War  with  Great  Britain  — 

Coenradt  Brown  of  Thurlough  in  Tryon 

County  Farmer  in   £100 

Johannis  Rykert  of  Schoharie  in  the  County 
of  Albany  Farmer  his  Bail  in   £100 

Adjourned.1 

1  The  extant  minutes  end  here  abruptly.  On  August  30,  1781,  the  Albany 
commissioners  wrote  to  Governor  Clinton  about  certain  exchanges  of  pris- 
oners, to  which  he  wrote  a  reply  on  September  7th.  Other  correspondence 
between  this  board  and  the  governor  is  extant,  of  a  date  later  than  the  existing 
minutes.  For  examples,  see  George  Clinton  Papers,  nos.  3948,  3976, 
3986,  3987,  4005,  4010,  4023,  4024,  in  archives  of  New  York  State  Lib- 
rary. 


1781 
Aug.  30. 


APPENDIXES 

77S 


APPENDIX  I 


LAWS  OF  NEW  YORK  RELATING  TO  THE 
COMMISSIONERS  FOR  CONSPIRA- 
CIES AND  THEIR  POWERS 


An  Act  appointing  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating 
Conspiracies,  and  declaring  their  Powers.  Passed  the 
5th  of  February,  1778.1 

HE  RE  AS  the  late  Convention  did  appoint  a  Board  of 
Commissioners,  for  the  Purpose  of  enquiring  into, 
detecting  and  defeating  all  Conspiracies,  which  might  be 
formed  in  this  State,  against  the  Liberties  of  America. 

And  whereas,  by  Reason  of  the  present  Invasion  of  this 
State,  and  of  the  Disaffection  of  sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  same,  it  will  be  expedient  to  continue  the  said  Board; 
which  Experience  hath  shewn  to  be  of  great  Use  and  Impor- 
tance. To  the  End  therefore,  that  the  State  and  the  Peace 
of  the  same,  may  be  effectually  guarded  and  secured,  against 
the  wicked  Machinations  and  Designs  of  the  Foreign  and 
Domestic  Foes  thereof. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby  enacted 
by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the  Governor,  Lieutenant 
Governor,  or  President  of  the  Senate,  who,  for  the  Time 
being,  shall  administer  the  Government  of  this  State,  be, 
and  he  hereby  is  authorised  and  empowered,  from  Time  to 
Time,  to  appoint,  by  Commission,  by  and  with  the  Advice 

'First  session  (1777-8),  chap.  3. —  Laws  of  New  York;  Poughkeepsie: 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  6-7. 


778 


State  of  New  York 


and  Consent  of  the  Council  of  Appointment,  so  many  Per- 
sons, not  exceeding  ten,  as  he  shall  think  proper,  to  be  Com- 
missioners for  the  Purposes  aforesaid.  And  that  the  said 
Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them,  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
authorised  and  empowered,  to  do  and  perform  the  several 
Acts,  Matters  and  Things  herein  after  mentioned,  viz.  That 
the  said  Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them,  shall  be, 
and  they  hereby  are  authorised  and  empowered,  to  send  for 
Persons  and  Papers,  and  administer  Oaths;  and  to  apprehend 
and  confine,  or  cause  to  be  apprehended  and  confined,  in 
such  Manner,  and  under  such  Restrictions  and  Limitations, 
as  to  them  shall  appear  necessary,  for  the  public  Safety,  all 
Persons,  whose  going  at  large,  shall,  in  the  Judgment  of  the 
said  Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them,  appear  dangerous 
to  the  Safety  of  this  State.  To  take  Bonds  and  Recogni- 
zances, from  Time  to  Time,  to  the  People  of  this  State,  for 
the  good  Behaviour,  safe  Custody,  or  Appearance  of  such 
of  the  said  Persons,  and  of  all  others,  now  confined  for  the 
like  Cause,  as  they  may  think  proper,  in  such  Sums,  and 
upon  such  Conditions,  as  unto  them  shall  appear  expedient; 
and  the  said  Bonds  and  Recognizances,  if  forfeited,  to  prose- 
cute or  to  cancel  and  release,  upon  such  Terms  and  Condi- 
tions; and  to  discharge  from  Confinement,  any  of  the  said 
Persons  absolutely,  and  without  any  Terms  or  Conditions, 
as  they  may  think  proper.  And  also,  from  Time  to  Time, 
to  make  such  Provision,  for  the  safe  Custody,  and  comfort- 
able Subsistance  of  all  Persons,  who  may  from  Time  to 
Time  be  so  confined  as  aforesaid,  in  such  Manner  as  they 
may  think  proper.  Provided  always,  That  by  Reason  or 
Colour  of  any  Thing  herein  contained,  the  said  Commis- 
sioners, or  any  of  them,  shall  not  be  empowered  to  inflict 
any  corporal  Punishment,  upon  any  or  either  of  the  said 
Persons  confined  as  aforesaid. 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


779 


II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  no  Judge  or  Magistrate,  shall  bail  any  of  the  Persons, 
who  may  be  confined  by  Authority  of  the  said  Commissioners; 
and  that  no  Court  shall  deliver  any  of  the  Gaols,  within  this 
State,  of  any  Person  or  Persons,  so  confined  as  aforesaid, 
unless  such  Persons,  shall  have  been  indicted,  and  tried 
for  the  Offence  or  Offences,  for  which  he  or  she,  shall  have 
been  respectively  committed. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid. 
That  each  and  every  of  the  said  Commissioners,  before  they 
shall  respectively  take  upon  them,  the  Exercise  of  the  said 
Office,  do,  before  one  or  more  of  the  said  Commissioners, 
who  are  hereby  empowered  to  administer  the  same,  take  the 
following  Oath,  viz. 

"  I,  A.B.  one  of  the  Commissioners,  according  to  the  Form 
and  Effect  of  an  Act,  entitled,  An  Act  for  appointing  Com- 
missioners for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,  and 
declaring  their  Power,  appointed,  do,  in  the  Presence  of 
Almighty  God,  most  solemnly  promise  and  swear,  that  I 
will,  to  the  best  of  my  Knowledge  and  Ability,  faithfully 
execute  and  perform,  for  the  Benefit  and  Advantage  of  the 
People  of  the  State  of  New-York,  all  and  singular  the  Powers 
and  Authorities,  by  Force  and  Virtue  of  the  said  Act,  unto 
me  given.   So  help  me  God.["] 

IV.  And  for  as  much  as  the  Execution  of  the  said  several 
Trusts,  Duties  and  Powers,  will  be  attended  with  consider- 
able Expence;  Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners,  be,  and  they  hereby  are, 
authorised  and  empowered,  from  Time  to  Time,  to  draw  from 
the  public  Treasury  of  this  State,  all  and  every  such  Sum  and 
Sums  of  Money,  as  they  shall  think  proper.  Provided 
always,  That  the  said  Commissioners,  shall  render  a  just  and 
true  Account  of  the  Expenditure  of  the  several  Sums  of 


780 


State  of  New  York 


Money  by  them  so  drawn  as  aforesaid;  and  that  the  said 
several  Sums,  shall  not,  in  the  Whole,  exceed  the  sum  of 
Five  Thousand  Pounds. 

V.  And  it  be  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners  shall  keep  regular  Minutes  of  all 
their  Proceedings,  in  Order  that  the  same  may  be  submitted, 
if  required,  to  the  Consideration  of  the  Senate  or  Assembly,  or 
to  such  Person  or  Persons,  as  shall  be,  for  that  Purpose 
appointed;  and  that  each  and  every  of  the  said  Commis- 
sioners do  receive,  for  every  Day,  in  which  he  shall  be  actually 
employed  in  the  Business  aforesaid,  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Shil- 
lings, for  his  Trouble  and  Expence,  in  attending  upon  the  same. 

VI.  Arid  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  this  Act  shall  continue  in  Force,  until  the  first  Day  of 
November,  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven 
Hundred  and  Seventy-Eight,  and  no  longer. 


An  Act  to  enable  the  Person  administering  the  Government  of 
this  State  for  the  Time  being,  to  remove  certain  disaffected 
and  dangerous  Persons  and  Families.  Passed  the  1st  of 
April,  1778.1 

HERE  AS  divers  disaffected  and  dangerous  Persons 
and  Families,  reside  at  or  near  the  several  Posts 
and  Passes  within  this  State;   and  there  is  great  Reason  to 
believe,  that  they  communicate  Intelligence  to  the  Enemy; 

I.  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is 
hereby  enacted  by  [t]he  Authority  of  the  same,  That  it  shall 
and  may  be  lawful,  to  and  for  the  Person  administering  the 

'First  session  (1777-8),  chap.  27. —  Laws  of  New.  York:  Poughkeepsie : 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  25-26. 

This  act  is  printed  as  collateral  to  and  explanatory  of  procedure  rela- 
tive to  inimical  persons. 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


Government  of  this  State  for  the  Time  being,  from  Time  to 
Time,  as  Occasion  may  require,  and  whenever  he  shall  judge 
it  necessary,  for  the  public  Safety,  to  cause  all  such  dangerous 
disaffected  Persons  and  Families,  as  now  are,  or  hereafter 
shall  happen  to  be  resident  at  or  near  any  Post,  Pass  or 
Encampment,  within  this  State,  to  be  removed  to  such  other 
Place  or  Places  within  the  same,  as  he  shall  deem  expedient. 

II.  And  whereas  the  Removal  of  the  Persons  or  Families 
aforesaid,  may  prove  very  prejudicial  to  them;  //  is  further 
enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That  the  Person  admin- 
istering the  Government  of  this  State,  for  the  Time  being, 
shall  certify  the  Names  of  such  Persons  so  removed,  and  a 
Description  of  the  Houses  and  Farms,  from  which  they  shall 
be  removed  respectively,  to  the  Commissioners  of  Seques- 
tration of  the  County,  to  which  such  Persons  shall  be  re- 
moved; who  are  hereby  required  to  put  them  in  Possession, 
on  moderate  Rents,  of  such  sequestered  Farms  or  Houses, 
in  the  said  County  as  may  be  then,  or  thereafter  vacant; 
having  Respect  to  the  Value  of  the  Farms  or  Houses,  from 
which  such  Persons  may  have  been  removed;  Provided, 
nevertheless,  That  no  Person  or  Persons,  that  shall  be  re- 
moved by  Virtue  of  this  Act,  shall,  by  such  Removal,  gain  a 
Settlement  in  the  District  he,  she  or  they  may  be  removed  to; 
so  as  to  charge  such  District  with  their  Maintenance. 


An  Act  for  increasing  the  Number  of  Commissioners,  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  within  this  State. 
Passed  the  3d  of  April,  1778.1 

^^"HEREAS  by  an  Act,  entitled,  "An  Act  appointing 
Commissioners  for    detecting    and    defeating  Con- 
spiracies, and  declaring  their  Powers,"  made  and  passed  by 

1  First  session  (1 777-8),  chap.  31. — Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie : 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  30-31. 


782 


State  of  New  York 


the  Legislature  of  this  State,  the  fifth  Day  of  February  last 
past;  it  is  enacted,  that  the  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor, 
or  President  of  the  Senate,  who  for  the  Time  being,  shall 
administer  the  Government  of  this  State,  be,  and  he  is  thereby 
authorised  and  empowered,  from  Time  to  Time,  to  appoint 
by  Commission,  by  and  with  the  Advice  and  Consent  of  the 
Council  of  Appointment,  so  many  Persons,  not  exceeding 
ten,  as  he  shall  think  proper,  to  be  Commissioners  for  the  Pur- 
poses therein  mentioned;  And  further,  That  the  said  Com- 
missioners, or  any  three  of  them  shall  be,  and  thereby  are 
empowered  and  authorised  to  do  and  perform  the  several 
Acts,  Matters  and  Things,  therein  after  mentioned:  For 
increasing  the  Number  of  the  said  Commissioners, 

I.  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is 
hereby  enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the  Person 
administering  the  Government  of  this  State,  for  the  Time 
being,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  farther  authorised  and  empowered 
from  Time  to  Time,  to  appoint  in  the  Manner  in  and  by  the 
said  Act  mentioned,  any  farther  or  greater  Number  of 
Commissioners,  not  exceeding  twenty,  to  be  Commissioners, 
with  the  like  Trust  Powers  and  Authorities,  and  under  the 
same  Restrictions,  Qualifications,  Provisoes,  Pay  and  Con- 
tinuance, as  are  mentioned  in  the  said  in  part  recited  Act. 

II.  And  it  is  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them,  shall  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  authorised  and  empowered,  to  do  and  v 
perform  the  several  Acts,  Matters  and  Things,  mentioned  in 
the  said  in  part  recited  Act:  Any  Thing  in  the  said  Act  con- 
tained, to  the  Contrary  thereof,  in  any  Wise  notwithstanding. 

Provided  always,  That  as  many  Quorums  of  three  of  the 
said  Commissioners,  as  the  whole  Number  of  thirty  will 
admit  of,  shall  and  may  exercise  the  Powers  and  Authorities, 


Appendix  I :  Laws 


783 


so  reposed  in  them  as  aforesaid,  at  one  and  the  same  Time; 
any  Thing  in  this  or  the  above  recited  Law,  to  the  Contrary 
hereof,  in  any  Wise  notwithstanding. 


An  Act  more  effectually  to  prevent  the  Mischiefs,  arising  from 
the  Influence  and  Example  of  Persons  of  equivocal  and 
suspected  Characters,  in  this  State.  Passed  the  30th  of 
June,  1778.' 

"Y/^THEREAS  certain  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  State, 
have,  during  the  Course  of  the  present  cruel  War, 
waged  by  the  King  and  Parliament  of  Great-Britain,  against 
the  People  of  these  States,  affected  to  maintain  a  Neutrality, 
which  there  is  Reason  to  suspect  was  in  many  Instances, 
dictated  by  a  Poverty  of  Spirit,  and  an  undue  Attachment  to 
Property.  And  whereas  divers  of  the  said  Persons,  some  of 
whom,  advocated  the  American  Cause  till  it  became  serious, 
have  notwithstanding  the  Forebearance  of  their  Countrymen, 
and  contrary  to  the  Faith  pledged  by  their  Paroles,  ungrate- 
fully and  insidiously  from  Time  to  Time,  by  artful  Misrep- 
resentations, and  a  subtle  Dissemination  of  Doctrines,  Fears 
and  Apprehensions  false  in  themselves,  and  injurious  to  the 
American  Cause,  seduced  certain  weak  minded  Persons  from 
the  Duties  they  owed  their  Country:  And  whereas  the  wel- 
fare of  this  State,  loudly  demands  that  some  decisive  Meas- 
ures be  taken  with  Respect  to  the  said  Persons;  and  it  being 
repugnant  to  Justice  as  well  as  good  Policy,  that  Men  should 
be  permitted  to  shelter  themselves  under  a  Government, 
which  they  not  only  refused  to  assist  in  rearing,  but  which, 
some  of  them  daily  endeavor  to  undermine  and  subvert; 
And  whereas,  such  few  of  the  said  Persons,  as  may  have  been 

•First  session  (1777-8),  chap.  47. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie : 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  4.5-44. 


784 


State  of  New  York 


led  to  take  a  neutral  Part  by  conscientious  Doubts  and 
Scruples,  have  had  more  than  sufficient  Time  to  consider 
and  determine  the  same; 

I.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby  enacted 
by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the  Commissioners  ap- 
pointed for  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  Con- 
spiracies, which  may  be  formed  in  this  State,  against  the 
Liberties  of  America;  or  any  three  of  them  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  authorised  and  strictly  charged  and  required,  to 
cause  all  such  Persons,  of  neutral  and  equivocal  Characters 
in  this  State,  whom  they  shall  think  have  influence  sufficient 
to  do  Mischief  in  it,  to  come  before  them,  and  to  administer  to 
the  said  persons  respectively,  the  following  Oath,  or  if  of  the 
People  called  Quakers,  Affirmation,  viz. 

"I,  A.B.  do  solemnly,  and  without  any  mental  Reserva- 
tion or  Equivocation  whatever,  swear  and  call  God  to  Wit- 
ness; or  if  of  the  People  called  Quakers,  affirm,  that  I  do 
believe  and  acknowledge,  the  State  of  New-York,  to  be  of 
Right,  a  Free  and  Independent  State.  And  that  no  Au- 
thority or  Power,  can  of  Right,  be  exercised  in  or  over  the  said 
State,  but  what  is,  or  shall  be  granted  by  or  derived  from  the 
People  thereof.  And  further,  That  as  a  good  Subject  of  the 
said  Free  and  Independent  State  of  New  York,  I  will  to  the 
best  of  my  Knowledge  and  Ability,  faithfully  do  my  Duty; 
and  as  I  shall  keep  or  disregard  this  Oath.  So  help  and  deal 
with  me  Almighty  God." 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  if  on  the  said  Oath  or  Affirmation,  being  so  tendered, 
the  said  Person  or  Persons  shall  refuse  to  take  the  same,  the 
said  Commissioners  do  forthwith  remove  the  said  Person  or 
Persons  so  refusing,  to  any  Place  within  the  Enemy's  Lines, 
and  by  Writing  under  their  Hands  and  Seals,  certify  the  Names 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


7«5 


of  such  Person  or  Persons,  to  the  Secretary  of  this  State,  who 
is  hereby  required  to  Record  and  File  the  said  Certificates. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  if  any  of  the  said  Neutrals,  shall  abscond  or  absent 
himself  with  an  apparent  View  to  avoid  the  Force  of  this  Act, 
the  said  Commissioners  shall  by  Notice,  published  in  one 
or  more  of  the  News-Papers  of  this  State,  demand  of  the 
said  Person  or  Persons,  so  absconding  or  absenting,  to  ap- 
pear before  them,  at  such  Place  in  this  State,  and  at  such 
Time,  not  exceeding  twenty  one  Days  from  the  Time  of  such 
Publication,  as  they  shall  assign.  And  further,  That  Default  in 
such  Appearance,  shall  be  adjudged  to  amount  to  and  is  hereby 
declared  to  be  a  Refusal  to  take  the  said  Oath  or  Affirmation. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid. 
That  if  any  of  the  Persons  removed  to  Places  within  the 
Enemy's  Lines  by  the  said  Commissioners,  in  pursuance  of 
this  Act,  or  who  having  as  aforesaid,  absconded  or  absented, 
shall  not  on  Notice  as  aforesaid  appear  before  the  said  Com- 
missioners, and  take  the  Oath  or  Affirmation  aforesaid,  shall 
thereafter  be  found  in  any  Part  of  this  State;  such  Person 
or  Persons  so  found,  shall  on  Conviction  thereof,  be  ad- 
judged guilty  of  Misprison  of  Treason. 

And  to  the  End,  That  this  State  may  be  in  some  Measure 
compensated  for  the  Injuries  it  has  sustained,  by  the  evil 
Example  or  Practices  of  the  said  Neutrals,  and  that  others 
may  be  detered  on  similar  Occasions,  from  acting  a  Part 
so  unmanly  and  ignominious; 

V.  Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That 
all  Lands  held  in  this  State,  on  the  twenty-sixth  Day  of 
June  Instant,  in  Fee  Simple  or  Fee  Tail,  or  which  may 
hereafter  be  acquired  by,  or  devised,  granted,  or  descend 
to  any  of  the  Persons  who  shall  refuse  to  take  the  aforesaid 
Oath  or  Affirmation,  when  called  upon  by  the  said  Com- 


786 


State  of  New  York 


missioners,  shall  forever  thereafter,  be  charged  with  double 
Taxes,  in  whosoever  Hands  the  said  Lands  may  hereafter  be. 

VI.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners,  previous  to  the  Removal  of 
the  said  several  Persons  within  the  Enemy's  Lines,  shall 
from  Time  to  Time,  notify  the  Person  administering  the 
Government  of  this  State  for  the  Time  being,  of  the  several 
Persons  so  to  be  removed,  who  is  hereby  authorised  to  de- 
tain and  confine,  such  of  the  said  persons  as  he  shall  think 
proper,  for  the  Purpose  of  exchanging  them  for  any  of  the 
Subjects  of  this  State,  in  the  Power  of  the  Enemy. 

VII.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid. 
That  the  Person  administering  the  Government  of  this  State 
for  the  Time  being,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  required  to  do  his 
best  Endeavours,  that  this  Act  be  fully  and  speedily  carried 
into  Execution,  and  all  Magistrates,  Sheriffs  and  Constables, 
are  required  to  be  aiding  therein. 


An  Act  for  continuing  the  Powers  of  the  Commissioners,  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies.  Passed  the  29th  of 
October,  1778.' 

^^HEREAS  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  for 
appointing  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeat- 
ing Conspiracies,  and  declaring  their  Powers;  and  the  Act 
for  increasing  the  Number  of  Commissioners  for  detecting 
and  defeating  Conspiracies,  within  this  State,  will  expire  on 
the  first  Day  of  November  next; 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby 

•Second  session  (1778-9),  chap.  3. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie : 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  44-45. 


Appendix  I :  Laws 


787 


enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same.  That  the  said  two  sev- 
eral Acts,  and  the  Powers  and  Authorities  by  them  or 
either  of  them,  granted  to  the  said  Commissioners,  or1  any, 
and  every  three  of  them,  and  a  Power  to  the  said  Commis- 
sioners, or  any  three  of  them,  to  remove  within  the  Enemy's 
Lines,  all  such  Persons  who  in  pursuance  of  the  "Act  more 
effectually  to  prevent  the  Mischiefs  arising  from  the  Influence 
and  Example  of  Persons,  of  equivocal  and  suspected  Char- 
acters in  this  State,"  have  already  appeared  before  the  said 
Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them,  and  have  not  taken 
the  Oath  in  the  said  Act  contained;  shall  be  and  are  hereby 
continued  until  twenty  Days  after  the  next  Meeting  of  the 
Legislature,  and  a  Quorum  of  both  Houses  shall  be  con- 
vened to  proceed  on  Business.  And  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State,  shall  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  and  required 
to  pay  to  the  said  Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them, 
such  farther  Sum  or  Sums,  as  they  shall  from  Time  to  Time 
require,  to  defray  the  Expence  of  the  Business  committed 
to  them,  so  as  the  Amount  of  such  farther  Sum  or  Sums, 
shall  not  in  the  whole,  exceed  the  Sum  of  Three  Thousand 
Pounds. 


An  Act  to  amend  an  Act,  entitled,  An  Act  more  effectually  to 
prevent  the  Mischiefs  arising  from  the  Influence  and  Ex- 
ample of  Persons  of  equivocal  and  suspected  Characters  in 
this  State,  and  for  continuing  the  Powers  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies.  Passed 
the  17th  of  February,  1 779. 3 

"^^T  HE  RE  AS  by  the  Terms  of  the  said  Law,  the  Com- 
missioners therein  mentioned,  are  required  on  Re- 

'  Misprinted  "  ur  "  in  Holt's  edition. 

5  Second  session  (1778-9),  chap.  10. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie : 
John  Holt,  1782,  p.  49. 


788 


State  of  New  York 


fusal  of  any  Person  or  Persons,  to  take  the  Oath  or  Affirma- 
tion therein  prescribed,  forthwith  to  remove  the  said  Person 
or  Persons  so  refusing,  to  any  Place  within  the  Enemy's 
Lines; 

And  whereas  sound  Policy  and  common  Charity  require, 
that  every  Person  so  refusing,  should  be  admitted  to  take 
the  said  Oath  or  Affirmation,  if  he  or  she  shall,  notwith- 
standing such  Refusal,  voluntarily  offer  to  take  the  same, 
before  the  Commencement  of  his  or  her  actual  Removal; 

I.  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is 
hereby  enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  every 
Person  who  has  already  refused,  or  shall  hereafter  refuse 
to  take  the  said  Oath  or  Affirmation,  and  shall,  before  the 
actual  Commencement  of  his  or  her  Removal  as  aforesaid, 
voluntarily  offer  to  take  the  said  Oath  or  Affirmation,  before 
any  three  of  the  said  Commissioners,  shall  be  admitted  to 
take  the  same,  and  on  taking  thereof,  shall  be,  and  hereby 
is  declared  to  be  fully  and  wholly  absolved  from  the  Penal- 
ties of  the  said  Law,  such  former  Refusal,  or  any  Thing  in 
the  said  Law,  to  the  Contrary  in  any  Wise  notwithstanding. 
Provided  always,  That  nothing  herein  contained,  shall  ex- 
tend or  apply  to  the  Cases  of  those  who  by  Virtue  of  the 
said  Law,  now  are  or  shall  hereafter  be  detained  and  con- 
fined, by  the  Person  administering  the  Government  of  this 
State  for  the  Time  being,  for  the  Purpose  of  Exchanging 
them  for  any  of  the  Subjects  of  this  State,  in  the  Power  of 
the  Enemy. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  all  and  singular  the  Powers  and  Authorities,  vested  in 
the  said  Commissioners,  are  hereby  continued  until  twenty 
Days  after  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Legislature,  and  a 
Quorum  of  both  Houses  shall  be  convened  on  Business,  in 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


789 


like  Manner  as  the  same  are  continued  in  and  by  an  Act, 
entitled,  "An  Act  for  continuing  the  Powers  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,"  passed  the 
29th  Day  of  October  last:  And  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
shall  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  and  required,  to  pay 
to  the  said  Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them,  such  fur- 
ther Sum  or  Sums,  as  they  shall  from  Time  to  Time  require, 
to  defray  the  Expence  of  the  Business  committed  to  them, 
so  as  the  Amount  of  such  further  Sum  or  Sums,  shall  not 
in  the  Whole,  exceed  the  Sum  of  Three  Thousand  Pounds. 


An  Act  for  reviving  the  Powers  of  the  Commissioners  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,  and  for  other  Pur- 
poses therein  mentioned.    Passed  the  1st  of  October,  1779.' 

"Y^HEREAS  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State, 
entitled,  "An  Act  for  appointing  Commissioners,  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,  and  declaring  their 
Powers;"  and  the  Act  entitled,  "An  Act  for  increasing  the 
Number  of  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  Con- 
spiracies, within  this  State,"  did  expire  in  twenty  Days  after 
the  present  Meeting  of  the  Legislature,  and  a  Quorum  of 
both  Houses  convened  to  proceed  on  Business; 

I.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  0/ New- York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby  enacted 
by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the  said  two  Acts,  and 
the  Powers  and  Authorities  by  them  or  either  of  them 
granted,  to  the  said  Commissioners,  or  any  and  every  three 
of  them,  shall  be  and  are  hereby  revived,  and  shall  continue 
and  be  in  full  Force  until  twenty  Days  after  the  first  Day 
of  the  next  Meeting  of  a  Quorum  of  the  Legislature,  and 

■Third  session  (1779-80),  chap.  7. —  Iuiws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie : 
John  Holt,  17S2,  p.  76. 


State  of  New  York 


the  Treasurer  of  this  State  is  hereby  authorised  and 
required,  out  of  such  Monies  as  may  be  in  the  Treasury, 
to  pay  to  the  said  Commissioners,  or  any  three  of  them, 
such  further  Sum  or  Sums,  as  they  shall  from  Time  to 
Time  require,  to  defray  the  Expence  of  the  Business 
committed  to  them,  so  as  the  Amount  of  such  Sum  or  Sums, 
shall  not  in  the  whole,  exceed  the  sum  of  Four  Thousand 
Pounds. 

And  whereas  the  said  Commissioners,  or  some  Quorum 
or  Quorums  of  them,  may  have  done  and  performed  divers 
Acts,  Matters  and  Things,  in  and  respecting  their  several 
and  respective  Offices  and  Places,  since  the  Expiration  of 
the  said  Laws,  and  by  Reason  thereof,  the  Legality  and 
Validity  of  the  said  Acts,  Matters  and  Things,  may  be 
drawn  into  Question; 

II.  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  all  and  singular  the  said  Acts,  Matters  and  Things,  shall 
be  as  good,  valid  and  effectual  in  the  Law,  to  all  Interns, 
Constructions  and  Purposes  whatsoever,  as  if  the  said  Laws 
had  not  expired  by  their  own  respective  Limitations,  but  had 
been  in  full  Force  and  Effect,  at  and  immediately  before  the 
passing  of  this  Law;  any  Thing  in  the  said  Laws  or  either  of 
them  to  the  Contrary  hereof,  in  any  Wise  notwithstanding. 

And  whereas  in  and  by  the  said  two  recited  Acts,  no  Pro- 
vision is  made  to  enable  the  Council  of  Appointment,  from 
Time  to  Time,  to  remove  any  one  or  more  of  the  said 
Commissioners,  and  appoint  other  or  others  in  his  or  their 
Stead, 

III.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That  the 
said  Power  and  Authority  of  Removal  and  Appointment,  is 
and  are  hereby  fully  vested  in  the  said  Council,  to  be  exercised 
by  them,  from  Time  to  Time,  in  their  Discretion,  to  all  In- 
tents, Constructions  and  Purposes  in  the  Law  whatsoever. 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


An  Act  to  authorise  any  two  Justices  of  the  Peace,  to  enlarge 
Persons  who  shall  desert  from  the  Enemy,  and  for  other 
Purposes  therein  mentioned.    Passed  March  13th,  1780.' 

I.  ^E  it  enacted  by  [the]  People  of  the  State  of  New- York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is 
hereby  enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  whenever 
any  Person,  who  shall  have  cortf^from  within  the  Lines  of  the 
Enemy,  shall  be  confined  in  the  common  Gaol  of  any  County 
within  this  State;  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful,  for  any  two 
Justices  of  the  Peace  of  such  County,  to  enlarge  the  Person  so 
confined,  upon  his  or  her  entering  into  Recognizance  to  the 
People  of  this  State,  either  with  or  without  Surety;  and  in 
such  Sum  or  Sums  as  the  said  Justices,  in  their  Discretion, 
shall  deem  proper:  The  Condition  of  which  Recognizance 
shall  be,  that  he  or  she  will  appear  at  the  next  Court  of 
Oyer  and  Terminer  and  General  Gaol  Delivery,  to  be  held  in 
and  for  such  County;  or  that  he  or  she  shall  reside  at  the 
Place,  and  within  the  Bounds  within  this  State,  to  be  assigned 
by  the  said  two  Justices;  or  that  he  or  she  shall  be  of  good 
Behaviour,  during  the  present  War.  And  the  said  Justices 
may  in  their  Discretion,  insert  one  or  more  of  the  foregoing 
Conditions  in  such  Recognizance.  Provided,  That  such 
Justices  shall  not,  by  Virtue  of  this  Act,  enlarge  any  Person 
who  shall  be  in  Custody,  by  Virtue  of  a  Warrant  under  the 
Hand  and  Seal  of  any  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court;  nor  any 
Person  whose  going  at  large  will,  in  the  Opinion  of  such  Jus- 
tices, be  dangerous  to  the  State.  And  provided  also,  That 
nothing  in  this  Act  contained,  shall  be  construed  to  excuse 
any  Person,  so  enlarged  on  Recognizance,  from  doing  Duty 
in  the  Militia  of  this  State;  nor  shall  his  Absence  from  the 
Place  assigned  by  such  Justices,  for  his  Residence  while  on 

'Third  session  (1779-80),  chap.  58. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsic : 
John  Holt,  1782,  p.  127. 


792 


State  of  New  York 


Command  in  the  Militia,  be  deemed  a  Breach  of  such  Recog- 
nizance. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  whenever  any  Person  shall  desert  from  the  Army  of  the 
Enemy,  or  come  over  from  within  their  Lines,  and  shall  vol- 
untarily surrender  himself  or  herself  to  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace,  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  such  Justice  to  call  to 
his  Assistance  one  other  Justice  of  the  same  County,  and  to 
bind  the  Person  so  surrendering  himself  or  herself,  in  Recog- 
nizance, and  deal  with  him  in  all  Respects  as  is  before  di- 
rected for  Persons  in  actual  Custody;  which  Recognizance 
shall  be  subject  to  the  Provisoes  mentioned  in  the  preceding 
Clause.  Provided,  That  nothing  in  this  Act  contained,  shall 
be  construed  to  prevent  any  Person  from  being  apprehended 
and  dealt  with  according  to  Law,  for  any  Offence  com- 
mitted after  such  Person  shall  have  left  the  Enemy's 
Lines. 

Whereas  the  several  Laws,  relating  to  the  Commissioners 
for  enquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  Conspiracies 
which  may  be  formed  in  this  State,  against  the  liberties  of 
America,  are  now  expired; 

And  whereas  there  are  several  Persons  now  confined  by 
Order  of  the  said  Commissioners,  and  several  Persons  are 
bound  by  Recognizance,  taken  before  the  said  Commis- 
sioners: To  the  End  therefore,  that  Provision  may  be  made 
in  the  Premises; 

III.  Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That 
it  shall  be  lawful  for  any  three  Persons  who  were  such  Com- 
missioners, in  their  Discretion,  to  discharge  the  several  Per- 
sons so  in  actual  Confinement,  without  Bail,  or  upon  the  said 
Persons  respectively  entering  into  Recognizance,  with  or 
without  Surety,  for  their  respective  Appearance  at  any  Court 
of  Oyer  and  Terminer  and  General  Gaol  Delivery,  to  be  held 


Appendix  I :  Laws 


793 


in  and  for  any  County  within  this  State;  and  to  discharge 
any  Recognizances  heretofore  taken  before  the  said  Com- 
missioners, except  such  Recognizances  as  may  have  been 
taken  for  the  Appearance  of  any  Person  or  Persons,  at  any 
Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  and  General  Gaol  Delivery; 
and  that  the  Powers  of  the  said  Commissioners  shall  be 
revived,  and  hereby  are  continued  for  the  several  Purposes 
aforesaid  accordingly. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  this  Act  shall  continue  in  Force,  until  thirty  Days  after 
the  rising  of  the  Legislature,  at  their  next  Meeting. 


An  Act  to  revive  the  Laws  appointing  Commissioners  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies.  Passed  June  14th, 
1780.1 

"^^THEREAS  the  Act  "for  appointing  Commissioners  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,  and  declaring 
their  Powers,"  passed  the  fifth  Day  of  February,  1778;  and 
the  Act  "for  increasing  the  Number  of  Commissioners  for 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  within  this  State," 
passed  the  third  Day  of  April,  1778,  are  expired; 

And  whereas  there  is  great  Reason  to  apprehend  that 
Emissaries  from  the  Enemy  are  lurking  in  different  Parts  of 
the  State,  and  that  the  disaffected  Inhabitants  are  conspiring 
against  the  public  Peace  and  Safety:  By  Reason  whereof,  it 
hath  become  necessary  to  revive  the  Powers  of  the  said  Com- 
missioners; 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby 

•Third  session  (1779-80),  chap.  62. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie: 
John  Holt,  1782,  p.  131. 


794 


State  of  New  York 


enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the  said  two  Acts 
and  the  Powers  and  Authorities  by  them  or  either  of  them 
granted  to  the  Commissioners  appointed  or  to  be  appointed 
by  Virtue  of  the  said  Acts,  or  any  and  every  three  of  them 
shall  be,  and  are  hereby  revived,  and  shall  continue  and 
be  in  full  Force  during  the  Continuance  of  the  present  War 
with  Great-Britain.  That  each  Commissioner  shall  be 
'  allowed  for  each  Day  he  shall  be  actually  employed  in  the 
Execution  of  the  said  Office,  the  Sum  of  Fourteen  Shillings 
of  the  Money  to  be  issued,  agreeable  to  the  Resolutions  of 
Congress,  of  the  eighteenth  Day  of  March  last;  and  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State  shall,  out  of  any  Monies  which  may  be 
in  the  Treasury,  advance  to  the  said  Commissioners,  or  any 
three  of  them,  such  Sum  or  Sums,  as  they  shall  from  Time  to 
Time  require,  to  defray  the  Expence  of  the  Business  hereby 
committed  to  them,  not  exceeding  in  the  Whole,  the  Sum  of 
Two  Thousand  Pounds  of  like  Money  aforesaid. 


An  Act  for  the  Removal  of  the  Families  of  Persons  who  have 
joined  the  Enemy.    Passed  the  1st  of  July,  1780.1 

HERE  AS  many  and  great  Mischiefs  do  arise,  by  per- 
mitting the  Families  of  Persons  who  have  joined  the 
Enemy,  to  remain  at  their  respective  Habitations,  inasmuch 
as  such  Persons  frequently  come  out  in  a  private  Manner,  to 
gain  Intelligence  and  commit  Robberies,  Thefts  and  Mur- 
ders, upon  the  good  People  of  this  State,  and  are  concealed 
and  comforted  by  their  respective  Families; 

I.  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is 

■Third  session  (1779-80),  chap.  76. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsie: 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  143-144. 


Appendix  I :  Laws 


795 


hereby  enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the  Justices 
of  the  Peace,  resident  in  each  Ward,  Town,  Manor,  Precinct 
and  District,  within  this  State,  shall  notify  the  Wives  of  all 
such  Persons,  as  aforesaid,  that  the}-  depart  this  State  within 
twenty  Days  after  such  Notice,  or  repair  to  such  Parts  of  it  as 
are  within  the  Power  of  the  Enemy;  and  at  their  Discretion 
to  take  with  them  all  or  any  of  their  Children,  not  above  the 
Age  of  twelve  Years:  That  for  the  Want  of  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace  in  any  Ward,  Town,  Manor,  Precinct  or  District,  the 
Supervisor,  and  for  Want  of  a  Supervisor,  the  Commis- 
sioners for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,  shall  cause 
such  Notice  to  be  given,  as  aforesaid. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  b\  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  in  Case  any  of  the  Persons  aforesaid,  shall,  after  the  Space 
of  twenty  Days  after  such  Notice,  be  found  in  any  Part  of  this 
State;  they  shall  and  are  hereby  declared  to  be  out  of  the 
Protection  of  the  Laws  of  this  State;  and  shall  be  liable 
to  be  proceeded  against  as  Enemies  of  this  and  the  United 
States: 

Provided  nevertheless,  That  this  Law  shall  not  extend  to 
affect  such  of  the  said  Persons  as  shall  procure  Permits  to 
remain  at  their  respective  Habitations,  from  under  the  Hands 
and  Seals  of  any  three  of  the  Commissioners  for  detecting  and 
defeating  Conspiracies,  within  this  State. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  several  Justices  of  the  Peace,  or  Supervisor  as  afore- 
said, shall,  immediately  after  Notice  shall  be  given  to  the 
several  Persons  aforesaid,  to  depart  this  State,  give  Infor- 
mation to  some  one  Hoard  of  Commissioners  as  aforesaid, 
of  all  such  Persons  as  aforesaid,  together  with  the  Characters 
of  the  said  Persons  respectively;  and  the  said  Commissioners 
are  hereby  authorised  to  give  Permits  as  aforesaid,  to  any  of 
the  said  Persons,  which  they  may  esteem  of  good  Character, 


796 


State  of  New  York 


and  not  dangerous  to  the  Liberties  and  Independence  of  this? 
and  the  United  States. 


An  Act  to  accommodate  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Frontiers  with 
Habitations,  and  for  other  Purposes  therein  mentioned. 
Passed  March  22d,  1781.1 

I.  J-^E  lt  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  it  is  hereby 
enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  it  shall  be  lawful 
to  and  for  the  Person  administering  the  Government  of 
this  State  for  the  Time  being,  or  such  Person  or  Persons  as 
he  shall  authorise  for  the  Purpose,  in  their  Discretion,  and 
by  Licence  under  their  Hands  respectively,  upon  an  Appli- 
cation on  Behalf  of  any  Number  of  Families,  not  less  than 
three,  to  permit  the  said  several  Families  on  whose  Behalf 
such  Application  shall  be  made,  to  possess  and  occupy  to 
and  for  their  Use,  such  unoccupied  Houses,  Farms,  Lards 
or  Tenements,  lying  on  the  Frontiers  of,  this  State,  as  the 
Person  or  Persons  granting  such  Licence,  shall  appoint  and 
deem  most  convenient,  for  the  Purpose  of  accommodating 
the  Families  on  whose  Behalf  such  Application  shall  be 
made;  and  that  the  said  several  Families  shall,  by  Virtue 
of  such  Licence,  be  authorised  to  take  Possession  of,  occupy, 
and  improve  such  Houses,  Farms,  Lands  or  Tenements,  as 
shall  be  specified  in  the  said  Licence;  and  that  it  shall  in 
like  Manner,  be  lawful  for  the  Person  administering  the 
Government  for  the  Time  being,  or  such  other  Person  as 
shall  grant  any  such  Licence,  whenever  they  shall  respec- 
tively deem  the  Necessity  which  induced  the  Granting 
thereof  to  cease,  to  revoke  any  or  every  such  Licence;  and 

•  Fourth  session  (1780-81),  chap.  35. —  Laws  of  New  York:  Poughkeepsic : 
John  Holt,  1782,  pp.  180-181. 


Appendix  1  :  Laws 


797 


that  each  and  every  Person,  in  whose  favour  such  Licence 
shall  be  granted,  who  shall  not  within  twenty  Days  after  such 
Revocation,  remove  from  the  said  Houses,  Farms,  Lands 
or  Tenements,  which  he  or  she  was  so  permitted  to  possess, 
occupy  and  improve,  shall  be  deemed  as  Trespassers  from 
the  Beginning,  and  as  such,  shall  be  liable  to  an  Action,  at 
the  Suit  of  the  Person  in  whose  Possession  such  Houses, 
or  Farms,  Lands  or  Tenements  were,  before  the  granting 
such  Licence,  his  or  her  Heirs  and  Assigns;  and  that  each 
and  every  Person  in  whose  Favour  such  Licence  shall  be 
granted,  who  shall  hold  over,  after  the  Revocation  of  such 
Licence,  shall  and  may  be  proceeded  against  upon  the 
Statutes  of  forcible  Entry  and  Detainer,  by  the  Person  in 
Possession  of  such  Houses,  Farms,  Lands  or  Tenements, 
immediately  before  the  granting  of  such  Licence,  his  or  her 
Heirs  or  Assigns:  And  further  That  it  shall  be  lawful  for 
the  Person  administering  the  Government,  to  cause  any 
Houses  or  other  Buildings,  on  the  Frontiers  of  this  State, 
to  be  fortified,  and  to  be  taken  and  held  as  Posts  or  Fort- 
resses, for  such  Time  and  in  such  Manner,  as  he  shall  deem 
necessary  and  expedient. 

Provided  always,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be 
construed  to  prevent  the  Person  so  in  Possession,  before 
the  granting  of  the  Licence,  from  possessing,  occupying  and 
improving  an  equal  and  proportional  Part  of  such  Houses, 
Farms,  Lands  or  Tenements,  with  the  several  Families  in 
whose  Favour  such  Licence  shall  be  granted:  And  pro- 
vided also,  That  if  any  Person  in  whose  favour  such  Licence 
shall  be  granted,  shall  commit  any  unnecessary  Waste  or 
Destruction  in  such  Houses,  Farms,  Lands  or  Tenements, 
they  shall  severally  and  respectively,  with  respect  to  such 
Waste,  be  deemed  as  Trespassers,  and  as  such  shall  be  sub- 
ject to  an  Action,  at  the  Suit  of  the  Person  so  in  Possession 


State  of  New  York 


as  aforesaid,  immediately  before  the  granting  of  the  Licence, 
his  or  her  Heirs  or  Assigns. 

And  whereas  certain  disaffected  Subjects,  who  reside  on 
the  Frontiers  of  this  State,  privately  maintain,  comfort,  and 
aid  the  Enemy,  in  their  Incursions  on  the  said  Frontiers, 
and  the  public  Safety  requires  that  they  should  be  com- 
pelled to  remove  from  their  respective  Habitations,  to  the 
interior  Parts  of  the  State; 

II.  Be  it  therefore  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  afore- 
said, That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful,  to  and  for  the  Person 
administering  the  Government  of  this  State  for  the  Time 
being,  or  the  Brigadier,  or  commanding  Officer  of  the  Bri- 
gade of  Militia;  or  where  the  Militia  is  not  formed  into  a 
Brigade,  a  Majority  of  the  Field-Officers  of  the  Regiment 
within  which  such  disaffected  Persons  shall  reside,  to  cause 
all  such  Persons  and  Families,  as  he  or  they  shall  deem 
dangerous  and  disaffected,  and  as  now  are,  or  hereafter 
shall  be  resident  and  inhabiting  on  the  said  Frontiers,  to 
be  removed  from  their  respective  Habitations,  to  the  inte- 
rior Parts  of  the  State. 

And  whereas  it  may  be  necessary  to  remove  or  destroy 
the  Stock,  Grain,  or  Forage,  in  many  Parts  of  the  Frontiers, 
in  order  to  prevent  the  same  from  falling  into  the  Hands  of, 
or  from  being  applied  to  the  Comfort  and  Subsistence  of  the 
Enemy; 

III.  Be  it  therefore  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  afore- 
said, That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Person  administering 
the  Government  for  the  Time  being,  from  Time  to  Time, 
in  his  Discretion,  to  order  and  direct  all  or  any  Part  of  the 
Stock,  Grain,  or  Forage,  at  any  Place  or  Places  on  the 
Frontiers,  to  be  removed  to  such  other  Places  as  he  shall 
direct;  and  in  Case  such  Stock,  Grain  or  Forage,  cannot 
conveniently  be  removed,  or  if  the  Person  possessing  the 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


same,  shall  refuse  to  remove  such  Stock,  Grain  or  Forage, 
then  to  order  and  direct  the  same  to  be  destroyed. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Commissioners  for  defeating 
and  detecting  Conspiracies,  and  each  of  them,  or  such 
other  Person  or  Persons  as  shall  be  authorised  for  the  Pur- 
pose by  the  Person  administering  the  Government,  for  to 
notify  the  Wives  of  all  Persons  who  have  voluntarily  gone 
over  to  and  joined,  or  shall  hereafter  voluntari'y  go  over  to 
and  join  the  Enemy,  to  depart  this  State  in  like  Manner  as 
the  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  Supervisors,  in  the  respective 
Wards,  Towns,  Manors,  Districts  or  Precincts,  are  author- 
ised in  and  by  the  Act,  entitled,  "An  Act  for  the  Removal  of 
the  Families  of  Persons  who  have  joined  the  Enemy."  And 
further,  That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  said  Commissioners, 
and  each  of  them,  and  each  of  the  said  several  Persons  so 
to  be  authorised  as  aforesaid,  to  take  and  sell  all  the  Goods 
and  Chattels  in  the  Possession  of  the  Wives  of  Persons  who 
have  voluntarily  gone  over  to  and  joined,  or  shall  hereafter 
go  over  to  and  join  the  Enemy,  and  to  apply  the  Monies 
arising  therefrom,  to  defraying  the  Expence  of  removing 
such  Wives,  and  such  of  their  respective  Children  as  are 
not  above  twelve  Years  of  Age,  within  the  Lines  of  the 
Enemy  —  And  that  the  said  Commissioners  and  other  Per- 
sons, who  shall  take  and  sell  any  such  Goods  and  Chattels 
as  aforesaid,  shall  account  for  the  Expenditure  of  the  said 
Monies  with  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State. 


8oo 


State  of  New  York 


An  Act  to  repeal  an  Act,  entitled,  "An  Act  to  revive  the  Laws 
appointing  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  Con- 
spiracies, and  to  give  certain  Powers  to  Magistrates  and 
Courts,  in  Cases  therein  mentioned.    Passed  27th  March, 

I783  1 

I.  J~^E       enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- 

York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  and 
it  is  hereby  enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  That  the 
Act,  entitled,  "An  Act  to  revive  the  Laws  appointing  Com- 
missioners for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies,"  shall 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  repealed[.] 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  Commissioners  aforesaid  shall,  forthwith  after  the 
passing  of  this  Act,  deliver  the  Recognizances  by  them 
taken,  and  not  forfeited,  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  Gen- 
eral Sessions  of  the  Peace  of  the  County  in  which  the  same 
were  taken;  and  the  Person  or  Persons  bound  by  such 
Recognizances,  shall  be  subject  to  the  Directions  of,  and  be 
compelled  to  appear  before  the  said  Sessions,  in  like  Man- 
ner as  they  were  respectively  required  by  Law  to  subject 
themselves  to  the  Direction  of,  and  were  compellable  to  ap- 
pear by  the  said  Recognizances  before  such  Commissioners, 
and  such  Recognizances  shall  to  all  Intents  and  Purposes 
have  the  like  Effect,  and  be  estreated  or  discharged  in  the 
same  Manner  as  if  the  same  iiad  been  entered  into  befort 
such  Court  of  Sessions, 

III.  And  oe  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners  shall,  as  soon  as  may  be, 
deliver  all  such  Recognizances,  as  may  have  become  for- 
feited to  the  People  of  this  State,  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Su- 

1  Sixth  session  (1782-83),  chap.  51. —  Laws  of  Xew  York;  Poughkeepsie: 
John  Holt,  1783,  pp.  298-299. 


Appendix  I  :  Laws 


preme  Court;  to  the  End  that  Prosecutions  may  be  insti- 
tuted for  Recovery  of  the  same. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners  shall  exhibit  their  Accounts  to 
the  Auditor,  on  or  before  the  first  Monday  of  August  next, 
that  the  same  may  be  ascertained  and  settled;  and  it  is 
hereby  made  the  Duty  of  the  Auditor  to  report  to  the  Legis- 
lature, at  their  next  Meeting  after  the  said  first  Monday  in 
August,  the  Amount  of  such  Accounts  respectively. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  said  Commissioners  shall,  on  or  before  the  first 
Day  of  May  next,  make  Return  to  a  Justice  of  the  Peace 
of  the  County  in  which  such  Commissioners  reside,  of  the 
Names  of  the  Persons  by  them  committed,  and  the  Causes 
of  such  Committment,  that  the  said  Justice  may  take  Order 
thereon  in  due  Form  of  Law  —  That  no  Person  committed 
by  the  said  Commissioners,  shall  be  discharged  before  the 
first  day  of  May  next. 

VI.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful,  to  and  for  any  Justice  of 
the  Peace  within  this  State,  to  cause  to  be  arrested  and 
brought  before  him,  any  Person  who  shall  come  within  his 
Jurisdiction,  out  of  any  Place  in  the  Power  of  the  Enemy, 
and  to  require  sufficient  Security  for  the  Appearance  of  the 
Offender  at  the  next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace 
to  be  held  for  the  County  where  such  Offender  shall  be 
apprehended;  and  for  his  good  Behaviour  in  the  mean  Time; 
and  for  the  Want  of  such  Security,  to  commit  such  Offender 
to  the  common  Gaol,  there  to  remain  until  he  shall  find 
such  Security,  or  until  the  next  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  where  the  Recognizance  or  Mittimus,  as  the  Case 
may  be,  shall  be  returned,  and  which  Recognizance  or  Mit- 
timus shall  respectively  set  forth,  that  the  Offender,  bound 


802 


State  of  New  York 


over  or  committed,  had  without  lawful  Authority  come 
within  the  Jurisdiction  of  such  Justice,  out  of  a  Place  within 
the  Power  of  the  Enemy;  and  thereupon  it  shall  and  may 
be  lawful,  to  and  for  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  to  commit  such  Offender  to  the  common  Gaol,  there 
to  remain  until  the  then  next  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer 
and  General  Gaol  Delivery  in  the  County,  to  answer  unto 
all  such  Matters  and  Things  as  shall  then  and  there  be  ob- 
jected against  such  Offender  (unless  he  shall  be  sooner 
thence  discharged  by  due  Course  of  Law)  or  the  said  Court 
of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  may  take  Surety  accord- 
ing to  their  Discretion,  for  the  Appearance  of  the  Offender  at 
such  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  and  General  Gaol  De- 
livery, as  aforesaid,  then  and  there  to  answer  in  Manner 
aforesaid;  or  the  said  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  may  take  Surety  only  for  the  good  Behaviour  of  the 
Offender,  or  may  permit  him  to  go  at  large  without  Surety, 
as  the  said  Court  in  their  Discretion  shall  judge  fit: 

Provided  always,  That  nothing  in  this  Act  contained,  shall 
be  construed  in  any  Wise  to  restrain  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Judicature  of  this  State,  or  any  of  the  Justices  of  the  said 
Court,  from  dealing  with  such  Offender  according  to  the 
Law,  for  any  Crime  of  which  such  Offender  may  be  accused 
or  indicted  before  the  said  Court,  or  with  which  such 
Offender  may  be  charged  before  any  Justice  of  the  said 
Court. 


■  '  J>         /  ■ 


-7 

4.  . 


a  ,   s  Jl—/  .  ' 


Certified  Pay-Bill  of  Leonard  Gansevoort,  Jr.  as  Secretary  to  the 
Albany  Board,  1778-1783 


(One-half  reduced) 


APPENDIX  II 

FINANCIAL  ACCOUNTS. 


This  appendix  is  devoted  to  transcripts  of  the  financial 
accounts  of  the  entire  body  of  commissioners  for  detecting 
and  defeating  conspiracies.  It  is  the  result  of  a  careful  page 
for  page  examination  of  manuscript  records  of  the  State 
Auditor  and  State  Treasurer,  now  in  the  archives  of  the 
New  York  State  Library.  The  Audited  Accounts  are  by  far 
the  most  important,  because  they  are  engrossed  entries  copied 
from  the  statements,  bills  or  receipts  which  received  approval 
from  the  State  Auditor,  and  preserve  full  data.  The  Day 
Book  and  Accounts  of  the  State  Treasurer  give  the  record  of 
actual  payment,  but  in  much  briefer  form.  Liquidation  of 
these  claims  was  not  completed  during  the  period  of  the  war — 
hence  the  examination  had  to  be  prosecuted  through  subse- 
quent years.  Taken  together,  these  records  are  believed  to 
show,  substantiallv,  a  complete  account  of  the  expenses  of  the 
commissioners  in  the  seven  counties  in  which  they  operated 
as  a  State  body.  It  has  not  been  deemed  of  value  to  print  the 
co-ordinate  bookkeeping  records  of  these  two  State  officers, 
from  ledgers  and  journals.  A  conspectus  of  extant  records 
follows: 

State  Auditor. 

Audited  Accounts,  A  and  B,  two  folio  volumes. 

Book  "A"  contains  the  audits  from  May  22,  1782  to 

March  17,  1786.    Book  "B"  contains  those  from  March  18, 

1786  to  October  31,  1704.    The  dates  are  dates  of  audit  of 

claims  which  begin  as  early  as  May,  1775. 

803 


804 


State  of  New  York 


Journal,  two  folio  volumes. 
Vol.  i:  June  17,  1775  to  December,  1785. 
Vol.  2:  January,  1786  to  January,  1794. 


State  Treasurer 
Day  Book,  folio. —  Vol.  2:    April  1,  1778  to  September 
20,  1784. 

Accounts,  three  composite  folio  volumes. 
Vol.  1:  May  31,  1775  to  December  31,  1780. 
Vol.  2:  January  4,  178 1  to  December  31,  1785. 
Vol.  3:  January  3,  1786  to  January  10,  1797. 

Journal,  two  folio  volumes. 
Vol.  1:  May  31,  1775  to  October  2,  1782. 
Vol.  2:  September  18,  1778  to  September  20,  1784. 

Ledger  (bound  with  "Auditor's  Journal "  )  covers  from  May 
31,  1775  to  December  31,  1782. 

The  original  receipts  or  other  vouchers,  mounted  in  a 
ponderous  volume,  are  in  the  office  of  the  State  Comptroller, 
in  Revolutionary  Manuscripts,  vol.  40.  They  are  somewhit 
in  a  disarranged  state,  and  many  of  them  have  suffered  ma- 
terial mutilation  by  being  cut  down.  By  this  unjustifiable 
process  many  indorsements  and  voucher  numbers,  relative 
to  entries  in  the  volumes  of  Audited  Accounts,  have  been 
lost,  whilst  others  are  destroyed  by  the  process  of  mounting 
them. 


Audited    State  of  New  York    To  the  Secretary 
Accounts  [Robert  Harpur] 

(NYSL)    To  230  daysasComF  of  Conspiracy  @  14  /  .  .  . 

By  Cash  


DT 

161  —  „  — 

4  .  «- 


Audited  18th  July  1783 


'56 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


805 


Audited    The  State  of  New  York  Dr  in  Acco1  with  Henry 

Accounts  fir  n 

Williams  as  Commissioner  for  defeating  Con- 


A  :  24 
(NYSL) 


spiracies  — 

For  my  Services  for  the  days  on  which  I  was 
actually  employ'd  as  Commissioner  for  de- 
feating &  detecting  Conspiracies  between  6th 
Septr  17S0  &  Ist  Jany  1783  being  247  days 
at  14/  allow'd  by  Act  14th  June  1780 

247  days  ©14/   I72  u  18 

1783  Jany  14.    8th   Feby  20th  &  26th  March 

4  days  @  14/   2  „  16 


Audited  1 3th  July  1783 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  24 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  to  Gilbert  Livingston 
To  my  Services  fur  the  days  on  which  I  was 
actually  employ'd  as  Com!"  for  detecting  & 
defeating  Conspiracies   between   23d  Aug' 
1780  &  the  6th  day  of  Jany  1783  being  237 

days  ®  14/  $  day   165  „  18 

Credit 

1780 

Decr  2    By  Cash  rece'd   2  «  16 


Audited  18th  July  17S3 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  20-30 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  '.o  Brinton  Paine,  Joseph 
McCracken,   Peialiah   Fitch  Senf  &  Alexr 
McNutt  Commissioners  for  detecting  &  de 
feating  Conspiracies 
1 78 1,  April  12.    Brinton  Paine,  Two  Days 
attending  &  One  Days  travel  at  14/  ^ 

day  J      2  „  2 

Joseph  McCrucken  Two  Days  ditto   1    „  8  „ 

Alexf  McNutt  Two  Days  ditto   1    „  8  M 

May  22.  Brinton  Paine,  Jo?  McCracken  & 
Alexr  M°Nutt  One  Day  each  &  Paine  One 
day  travel  J        2  „  16 


175 


«63 


8o6 


State  of  New  York 


Audited  Aug1  29.  The  same  Two  days  each,  except  ) 
Accounts                 _  .     _     _        ,  _      .  t 

A  •  20-30      Brinton  Paine  One  Day  only  @  14/  ) 


3  *  10  — 


(NYSL)    Septr  6.  The  same  The  same   -3 

To  an  Express  from  White  Creek  to  Saratoga. . 

8.  To  ditto  

10.  To  ditto  to  Little  White  Creek  

16.  To  sending  Two  Expresses  to  Benning- 
ton from  White  Creek  &  there  waiting  One 
Day  extraordinary  

1782,  May  8,  9,   10.  McCracken,  McNutt  & 
Fitch  3  days  each   6 

17.  The  same  One  Day  each   2 

1783,  Feby  28.  Fitch  &  McNutt,  One  Day  each  1 

'  To  a  Clerk  12  Days  @  14/   8 

Decf  31.    McCracken,  McNutt  &  Fitch  1  day 

each   2 

To  Sundries  paid  for  Expence  of  Prisoners.  .  1 
To  Money  paid  to  Persons  for  private  intel-  ) 
ligence  


10 

10  ■ — 

10  — 

10  — 

10  ■ — 


6»  — 


2  /,  ■ 
IS/,- 


5  u  — . 


Audited  4     Feby  1784 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  36 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  to  Ebenezer  Purdy,  Israel 
Honeywell,  Joseph  Strang,  Nathan  Rock- 
well &  Philip  Leek  for  incidental  Expences 
&  services  done  as  Com"  of  Conspiracies  in 
West  Chester  County  Dr 

1 781,  Jany.  To  Cash  paid  Expences  of  a  Guard  Continental 
to  carry  Peter  Ferris  to  Poughkeepsie  Goal.  .,£125  u  12  u  — 

Febry.  To  d°  to  carry  3  dangerous  Persons ) 

to  Poughkeepsie  Goal  j    1 20  „  —  0  — 

March.  To  d°  to  carry  a  dangerous  Man  to  d° .  .     32  „  —  u  — 

April.  To  d°  pd  for  carrying  Abraham  Whit-  ) 

more  a  disaffected  Man  to  ditto  ^    80  „  —  „  — 

May.  To  d°  paid  a  Guard  of  3  Men  to  carry  ^ 

Smith  &  Skenkly  to  Goal  \    256  „  —  u  — 


Continental  .£61; 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


807 


Audited       Exchange  at  40  for  1  is  Specie   15,  6  „  9 

Accounts  „  „  .    j    „      .  ,     ,  .  — 

A  ■  36     June.  To  Cash  p   a  Guard  for  their  hxpence  | 

t,NYSL)       to  carry  sundry  dangerous  Persons  to  > 

Poughkeepsie  Goal  J        8  „  S  „  — 

To  d°  pd  Jesse  Brush  Expence  of  Guard  to  ] 
attend  the  Commiss15  during  the  time  of  > 
their  sitting  J        2  „  12  „  — 

To  d°  One  Quire  of  Paper   3  „  — 

To  d°  Andrew  Brown  to  go  below  the  Lines  ^ 

after  a  dangerous  Person  \       3  „  4  „  — 

To  John  Drake  for  the  Hxpence  of  a  Guard  / 

to  take  Care  of  Prisoners  )       3  „  6  „  6 

To  Cash  for  Expense  of  a  Man  to  go  to  Pough-  ) 

keepsie  to  the  Governor  )        1  „  12  „  — 


34  «  1 2  « 

To  55  days  Wages  for  Ebenr  Purdy  at  14/   38    10  (/ 

5 1 ....  d° ...  .  Israel  Honeywell   35  „  1 4  „ 

16.  .  .  .d°.  . .  .Joseph  Strang   1 1  „   4  „  — 

27.  d°. . . .  Nathan  Rockwell   23  „  18  „ 

5....d°  Philip  Leak   3  „  10  „  — 


'47  //   °  u  3 


Cr 


1784,  Jany  29.    By  Cash  reced  of  Treasurer  by 

Ebenezer  Purdy   20  „  —  „  ■ 


Audited  March  19th  1784  — 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  40 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  to  Alex1"  Webster  Ebenr 
Clark,  Alex1"  McXutt  &  John  McClung 
Commiss"  of  Conspiracy  in  the  County  of 
Charlotte  for  incidental  Expences  &  Services 

1778,  May  2.    To   Cash  pd 
J.  Doty  $  Vouch* 

30.    To  d° . . . .  Josha  Conkey . 

June  7.    Tod".  ...  Beach. ..  . 


Continental 

£zu  4*—  • 

3  «    4  a  — 
I  „  I  2  u  —  ■ 


Df 

,   7«  9'} 

12  —  1 


"7 


So8 


State  of  New  York 


Audited  Aug 
Accounts 


5.    To. . .  .d°  pd  Alex1" 


1 


A  :  40 
(NYSL) 


Inmitt  [sic]   9  u  1 2  «  — 


5*  6 


To.  .  .  .d°  Ebenr  Clark   1  „  4,- 

18.    To  d°  pd  Reuben  Turner  —    16    — "] 

21.    To     d°   Gershom  —    10,  si 

Woodward   2  „  16  „  — J 

Septr  1.    To  d°   pd  Robert 

Armstrong   5  „   1  <,  —  )  . .       1      9  «  9 

2.   To  d°  William  1/yH..     —   18  —  }" 

Decr2    To  d°  pd  Robert  Gilly     —    12  — 1 

Tod°  ....  d°&  Wilson....     3*  7  *  *i 

To  d°  Alexr  Simpson   4.,  16, —  J 

1779,  Jany  5.    To  d°  pd  John 

Armstrong   —    16  - 

8.  To  d°  James  Henderson     2  „  8  „  6  \  .  .    12  „  11  \ 

9.  To  d°  John  Hursdon   —     8  - 

To  d°  Alexr  Turner   1  „  4  — 

April   21.    To  d°   pd  John 

Hunsdon   7  „  1 8  „   2    1 3  „  8 

July  16.    To  d°  pd  Edward 

Savage   4*J6„  6    6j  2; 

To  d°  pd  Robert  Stewart  in  hard  Money   6  u  1 2  „  — 

To  1 01  days  Service  as  Comr  by  Alexr  Web- 
ster on  the  first  Act  passed  5th  Fcby 
1778  @  20/  Cont!  is  12/6  Specie;   all  >■  63,, 
before  the  27th  March  1783  when  the 
Act  was  repeald  

To  90  days  service  by  Ebenezer  Clark  @  12/6    56  „  5 

To  132  daysd°  by  Alexr  McXutt. .  12/6   82  „  10 

To  1 38  days  d°  by  John  McClung  1 2/6    86  „  5 


306  u  15 


Cr 


1778,  June  3.    By  cash  from  Matthew  Fisher1 
at  265  Cont1  to  100  hard   150    '8  \o\ 


Audited  April  13th  1784 


J  55 


1  The  correct  form  of  the  name  is  the  Dutch  equivalent  Visscher. 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts  809 


Dr 


Audited   state  of  New  York  to  Andrew  Rvnex 
Accounts 

A  :  108      0  attending  the  Commissioners  of  Conspiracy  as  Con- 
(NYSL)       stable  in  the  District  of  Schenectady  in  the  Year  i-Si 
Nine  Days  at  6/  $  day 
Audited  12th  October  1784 


Dr 


Audited    State  of  New  York  to  Reynier  Mynderse 
Accounts  For  attending  as  Commissioner  of  Conspiracy  in  the  Years 

(NYSL)       I78°'  1781  &  1782  Eighty  Days  at  14/  $  day 

Audited  12th  October  1784 


Audited  State  of  New  York  to  Hugh  Mitchell  Dr 
Accounts 

A  •  108    ^or  a^tending  as  Commissioner  of  Conspiracy  in  the  Years 

(NYSL)       1780,  1 781  &  1782  Ninety  Five  Days  @  14/ 

Audited  12th  October  1784 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  112 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  to  Abraham  Oothout  Dr 
For  attending  as  Commissioner  of  Conspiracy  in  the  Years 

1780,  1781  &  1782.  .  .  .86  days  @  14/  ^  day 
To  Necessaries  provided  for  a  Party  of  Men  under  the  Com- 
mand of  Major  Wemple  as  ^  Bill  


Audited  October  18th  1784 


14 


5" 


66 


60 


£62 


4 
18 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  147 
(NYSL) 


The  State  of  New  York  in  Account  Current  whit  [sic]  the  Commissioners  f< 
detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies.1 

Vouchers  for  money  paid  DT. 

N?     1  Isaiah  Butler   .£10 

„      2  Rutger  Bleecker  

„      3  Justicia  van  Hoesen2  

(/      4  Commissioners  of  Charlotte  County  II  400 

u      5  Jonathan  Beacraft  !j  7 

1  The  original  statement  in  the  handwriting  of  Leonard  Gansevoort,  Jr., 
is  in  Revolutionary  MSS.,  vol.  40,  p.  159,  in  the  office  of  the  State  Comptroller, 
and  is  more  accurate  as  to  names.  Serious  errors  are  here  pointed  out  in 
annotations. 

1  Justice  Van  Hoesen. 


8io 


State  of  New  York 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  147 
(NYSL) 


N°    6  Peter  Bont  

u      7  Burger  Blauw'  

„      8  Jacob  Wiltse  

„      9  Joseph  Gilford  

„  10  Jacob  van  Valkenburgh. . . . 

„     1 1  Isaac  Shelden  

„     12  Cornelius  C  Muller  

„     13  Cloude  van  Deusen  

a     14  Richard  Bronck  

„     1 5  Cornelius  van  Deusen  

„  16  Leonard  Gansevoort  Junior 

„     17  Cornelius  Humfrey  

„     19  Christopher  Hawk  

„     18  Cornelius  Humfrey  

„     20  John  Smith  

M  21  Leonard  Gansevoort  Junior 

/;    22  Wilhelmus  Haines  

„    23  Isaac  A.  Fonda  

„    24  John  Seton  

„     25  Cornelius  Humfrey  

„    26  John  Smith  

„    27  Mathew  Aerson  

„    28  John  Ryley  

u    29  John  Sloss  

„    30  James  Knowles  

„    31  Cornelius  Groesbeeck  

„    32  Samuel  Lauden2  

„     33  Cornelius  Humfrey  

„    34  Daniel  Kettle  

„    35  Christopher  Hawk  

"    36  Clyne  and  Robinson3  

„    37  Jacob  Klyne4  

«    38  John  Ryley  

u    39  .Samuel  Shaw  

„    40  John  Vischer  

1  Burger  Clauw. 

2  Samuel  Loudon,  the  printer. 
■  Robison. 

*  Kline. 


£3 

4 

3 
4 

4 

— 

17 

2 

4 

12 

16 

— 

5 

10 

— 

4 

7 

4 

3 

4 

~~ 

16 

16 

1 

4 

— 

8 

— 

16 

— 

6 

— 

40 

* 

4 
1 

4 

21 

4 

— 

5 

7 

2 

8 

6 

t 

8 

g 

17 

4 

460 

18 

4 

16 

4 

16 

4 

: 



2 

8 

— 

4 

3 

4 

26 

8 

1 1 

7 

5 

16 

34 

,6 

1 

Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts  811 


Audited    n°  41  Samuel  Loadman  

Accounts  _  „ 

A  :  147     «  42  vStephen  Bell  

(NYSL)     u  43  Isaac  Bogert  

u  44  David  van  Rensselaer  

„  45  Peter  Gunsalis  

„  46  Cornelius  C:  vanden  Bergh  

„  47  John  Lansing  Junior  

„  48  Leonard  Gansevoord  Junior  

„  49  Ab?  Lansing  &  Ab™  vanden  Berg 

/(  50  Alexander  Anderson  

„  5 1  Isaac  Goes  

„  52  Stephen  Bell  

/<  53  John  K:  Beeckman  

„  54  Cornelius  Humfrey  

„  55  Hugh  Mitchell  

„  56  Myndert  Wemple1  

/(  57  Robert  Smith  

„  58  Wessel  van  Schaick  

u  59  Volkert  Dawson  

„  60  Stephen  Bell  

tl  61  John  Smith  

j4  62  Jeremiah  van  Rensselaar  

„  63  Col :  Porters2  

M  64  Cornelius  C:  Miller  

„  65  Stephen  Viele  

„  66  Christopher  P:  Yates  

„  67  Stephen  Bell  

„  68  Denis  M:  Carty  

u  69  William  Colbrath'  

„  70  Peter  Magee  

„  71  Jonathan  Sever  

„  72  Philip  Conine  

„  73  Stephen  Hoyt'  

„  74  Samuel  T:  ten  Broeck1  

1  Myndert  A.  Wemple. 

'  Porter. 

'Colbreath. 

•Hoit  or  Hayt. 

•  Samuel  I.  Ten  Broeck 


^5 

15 

6 

16 

17 

4 

27 

6 

15 

14 

8 

92 

«5 

6 

63 

'3 

6 

20 

— 

— 

iS 

— 

— 

98 
8 

5 
— 

— 
— 

5 
24 

- 

12 

— 
— 

19 

16 

— 

42 

— 

— 

43 

— 

— 

4 

— 

— 

1 

4 

— 

26 

— 

— 

13 

17 

4 

25 

4 

_ 

20 

— 

— 

6 

8 

— 

36 

— 

— 

34 

2 

— 

16 

— 

166 

4 

— 

47 

16 

4 

16 

20 

27 

10 

8 

2 

100 

25 

10 

2 

8 

812 


State  of  New  York 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  147 
(NYSL) 


[?   75  Edward  Archer  

,     76  Mathew  Vischer  

,     77  David  Gibson  

,     78  Cloude  van  Deusen  &  Peter  Bont  

,    79  Commissioners  of  Charlotte  county  

,    80  Hugh  M":  Adam  

,    81  John  C  Lansing1   

y    82  Jeremiah  Fonda  

,    83  William  Harrison  

,    84  John  M?  Coy  

,    85  John  J  a  Beeckman  

,    86  Henry  Shaver  

,    87  Bethuel  Washburn  

,    88  Cornelius  Cuyler  

,    89  Jesse  Fairchilds2  

90  Ezra  Buel  

,    91  Bethuel  Washburn  

y    92  Jacob  Slingerland3  

y    93  Peter  Seeger  

,    94  Jeremiah  van  Rensselaar  

,    95  John  5  Lansing  

,    96  Petrus  Wynkoop  

,    97  Bethuel  Washburn  

,    98  Bethuel  Washburn  

,    99  Richard  Yselstyn*  

100  Bethuel  Washburn  

101  Bethuel  Waschburn  

102  Isaac  D:  Fonda  

103  John  Fonda  Junior  

104  Thomas  Ismay  

105  Daniel  Dickinson5  

106  Leonard  Gansevoort  Junior  

107  Amaziach  Winchester8  

,  108  Jacob  Gaul  

,  109  Bethuel  Waschburn7  

,  110  Mathew  Vischer  

1  John  5  Lansing.  1  Dickison. 

=  Fairchild.  1  Amaziah  Winchester 

'  Slingerlandt.  '  Washburn. 

4  Esselstyne. 


£22 

10 

4 

— 

— 

28 

14 

7 

8 

— 

100 

— 

— 

32 

— 

— 

217 

8 

17 

3 

28 

5 

4 

1 1 

15 

— 

24 

10 

— 

80 

— 

— 

197 

— 

— 

92 

1 1 

4 

222 
8 
128 

16 

— 

— 
12 

— 
— 

28 

12 

— 

20 

— 

15 

1 2 

— 

202 

8 

10 

100 

— 

— 

37i 

2 

— 

67 

12 

— 

7 

1 1 

4 

4i 

17 

— 

58 

4 

— 

74 

3 

— 

74 

91 

19 

6 

46 

16 

144 

96 

16 

50 

25 

4 

210 

Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  147 
(KYSL) 


1 1 1  Jesse  Fairchilds1  . .  .  .  :  

112  Stephen  Bell  

„  H3  Jacob  Kidney  

„  114  Jacob  Kidney  

u  115  Leonard  Gansevoort  Junior  

Continental 

1778  Money  received  C 

28  April       To  cash  received  from  G:  Bancker  EsqT  Treas 

urer  of  the  State  of  New  York  

12  August    To  cash  from  dito  

1779 

15  Jann    To  ditto       (/    d°  in  Sundry  Payments  

31  May     To  ditto  ditto  

21  Oct:     To  ditto  ditto  

Balance  due  commissi  carried  to  Specie  account .  . 


^765 
80 
80 
60 
292 


66506 


Continental      .66506  16 


J :  V :  Rensselaar 

Math:  Yisscher  >  late  Commiss" 
John  M'  Beeckman  I 


.61000 
1000 

1000 
1500 
2000 
6 


To  Ball  pT  contra  bro1  forward  .66.  16.  1  reduced  in  Specie  is 
To  a  Ballance  on  an  Account  of  Jesse  Fairchild  . 
To  u  ditto  u  „  d°  „  Stephen  Bell .  .  . 
To  t    ditto     „   „       d°      „  Cornelius  Humfrey 


N° 

I  I  I 

u 

I  I  2 

54 

16 

1 

2 

u 

3 

u 

4 

u 

5 

u 

6 

a 

7 

a 

8 

To  am!  of  Stephen  Bell's  acct  ^  Voucher 

To  d?  „  Jesse  Hainhild2  

To  d?  Jacob  Kidney  

To  d?  Robert  Hassin3  

To  d?  Peter  Bronk  

To  Robbert  Kennedy  

To  John  D:  Clute  

Coenraad  Klvne  


1  Fairchild. 

•  The  auditor's  record  is  incorrect,  as  the  name  should  be  Fairchild. 
5  Harper. 


£- 

3 

4 

3 

1 2 

9 

72 

20 

19 

6 

6 

5 

30 

81 

17 

10 

70 
2 

10 

4 

6 

2 

4 

9 

8 

2 

814 


State  of  New  York 


Audited  pj? 
Accounts 
A  :  147 
(NYSL) 


9    John  Fortftiydt  

10  Thomas  Cole  

11  Robert  Kennedy  

12  Jac:  Caldwell  

13  Stuwart  Deane1  

14  John  Vissher  

15  David  Gibson  

17  Goose  van  Schaick  

18  David  Fonda  

20  Am*  of  Isaac  D  Fondas  acct  as  Commissioner.  .  . 

21  do    „  S:  Stringer  d°  d° 

22  d?    „  John  M:  Beeckman  d° 

23  d?    „  Mathew  Vissher2  d? 

19  Isaac  D:  Fonda  

24  Am1  of  Jerem:  Van  Rensselaar  acct  as  Commissr. 

25  /;     „  L:  Gansevoort  Junior  as  Clerk  

26  d?  to  diff'  people  


1780 

16  Dec: 
1781 

17  Sept. 
19  Nov. 

1782 
16  Jann 
11  Maart 
Received 


Cr: 


By  cash  from  the  Treasury . 


„  d° 


d? 
d? 


,    d?     i  d?   

*    d?     u  d?   

from  forfeited  Recognizances  from  T:  Truax3.  .  .  . 
u  „         „  /(  „      P.  Trimhout* . 

„         „         «  «  «  P:Empies.... 

I.  Collayer6. . . 

Balances  due  the  Commissioners  


^16 

5 
8 
12 
86 
1 
5 

14 
1 

467 
283 
499 
284 

138 
534 
23 


^2690  19 


^41 

160 

76 

73 
350 
80 

12 

20 
1868 

2690 


1  Stewart  Dean. 
1  Visscher. 
'Jacob  Truax. 


*  Peter  Finehout. 
(  Philip  Empie. 

•  Isaac  Collayer. 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts  815 


Audited  Df 
Accounts  „,   ,   „    .  _ 

A  •  147    To  BaB-  P  Contra  

(NYSL)  To 

am.  of  Pctrus  Wynkoops  acc. 
"    d?      Hugh  Mitchel  


Balance  due  the  Commissioners. . 
Audited  19  November  1784. 


1868 

9 

6 

60 

21 

1 

.  6 

1949 

1 1 

1949 

1 1 

A  :  208 
(NYSL) 


Audited  State  of  New  York  D!  to  Joseph  Gasharie  Corn?  E.  Wynkoop  &  Corn 
Accounts      Schoonmaker  Commissioners  of  Conspiracies 

To  Joseph  Gasharie  as  ^  Acco  N°  1  .  10  „  6  „  — 

To  Corn*  E.  Wynkoop          d°       2 .  9  u   2  „  — 

To  Corns  Schoonmaker  $     d°       3.  9*164  — 

1781 

July  31  To  Cash  pd  Cap*  Bogardus  as  $  Rec^.  6  M  —  „  — 
1782 

Feby  8  To  Cash  pd  Corn5  Bicker. .  $  ditto. .  3  „  12  „  — 

26  To  d°  paid  Martin  Snyder.  .  ft  ditto.  .  3  „  15  „  — 

June   8  To  d°  paid  Augustus  Jay .  .  $  ditto. .  2  „   84  — 


1781 

Decr  By  Cash  rece'd  of  the  Treasurer 
Audited  11th  April  1785  — 


44  //  10  // 


40* 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  208 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  to  Egbert  Benson  DT 
To  my  Service  as  a  Commissioner  for  Conspi- 
cies  from  the  5th  Feby  1778  to  the  time  of 
my  resigning  the  said  Office  400  Days  @  20/ 
33  day  pursuant  to  the  Act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  5     Feby  1778  £400  „,  —  „  — 

Deduct  for  depreciation  at  160  for  100  is 

equal  to  1 2  /  6  $i  day  f    1 50  u  —  „  — 

Audited  11th  April  1785  — 


8i6 


State  of  New  York 


Audited  State  of  Mew  York  to  Robert  Harpur  Dr 
Accounts  _ 

A  :  210    For  mv  Services  as  a  Commissioner  for  Conspi- 
(NYSL)       racies  from  13th  July  1778  to  4th  Jany  1780 
pursuant  to  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  5th 

Fe'ay  1778  —  370  days  @  20/   370  u  — 

Deduct  for  Depreciation  at  160  for  100   138  „  15 


Audited  12th  April  1785 


Audited    State  of  New  York  Dr  to  Cornelius  E.  Wynkoop 

Accounts  por  _0  days  Service  as  a  Commissioner  for  de- 
A-.2I3  0  y 

(NYSL)       tecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  from  the 
17th  April  1778  to  26th  Aug^  1780  at  Pough- 

keepsie  @  20  /  ^  day   50  „  —  „  — 

For  3  days  service  as  ditto  at  Kingston  @  20/.      3  „  —  /;  — 


53  //  // 

Deduct  Depreciation  at  160  for  100   19  „  17  „  6 


Audited  14th  April  1785  — 


Audited   State  of  New  York  D^  to  Cornelius  Schoonmaker 
A  •  213    To  60  Days  Service  from  4th  July  1778  to  15th 
(NYSL)       Septr  1779  as  a  Commissioner  of  Conspira- 
cies @  20/  $  day   60  „  —  „' 

To  39  Days  ditto  from  6th  Septr  1780  to  26th^ 

March  1783  as  above  @  14/      day  \     27  „  6  „ 


87 


By  Depreciation  deducted  on  .£60  at  160  for 
100  


Audited  14th  April  1785  — 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


8i7 


Audited  <late  of  New  York  Dr  to  Israel  Thompson  Esqr 
Accounts     .  ,  ,    _       .  . 

late  one  of  the  Coinmiss  .  of  Conspiracies 


A  :  215 
(.NYSL) 


For  22  days  Attendance  (as  Commissioner  by 
Virtue  of  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  passed 
5th  Feby  1778)  between  the  9th  April  &  25th 
June  1778  @  20/   22  „  — 

To  3  days  travelling  to  &  from  Pougkepsie 

@  20/   3,,— 


25//" 

By  Depreciation  on  £25  —  „ —  @  160  for  100.  9  „  7  „  6 
Audited  19th  April  1785  — 


Audited    State  of  New  York  Df  to  ComP  of  Conspiracies 
Accounts  To  Teunis  Tappen  Secretary  to  the  Commiss1 
(NYSL)       ^or  Amo1.  of  his  Acco'  of  incidental  Charges 
and  his  Pay  as  Secretary  to  the  Board . . 


1779 

March  1 1  By  Cash  return'd  by  Isaac  Bloom 
for  One  Barrel  Pork  spoil'd  —  purchas'd 
for  the  Use  of  the  Prisoners  £18  u  —  „  — 
Cont1.  reduc'd  to  Specie  at  1000  for  100. . . 

OctobT  By  Cashrece'd  from  Sun  ] 
dry  Tory  Prisoners  to  defray 
their  Expences  Viz* 

21  „  12  u  9 
2  «   8  n 


500 //  2 


I  u  16  — 


William  Tud . .  . 
William  Ealigh. 
William  Brown. 
Nicholas  Stickle 
William  Wood.. 
Simon  Low .... 


2  •   8  „ 

2  u  15  ,/  4 
2  „  16  „  — 


Cont!  Curr>'    37  „  18  „  1 
£zi  a  18  „  1  Cont!  reduced  to  Spe- 
cie @  2032  for  100  


1  *  17  *  3 


15 


496 


Audited  19th  April  1785 


8i8 


State  of  New  York 


Audited 
Accounts 
A  :  216 
(NYSL) 


Audited 
Accounts 

A  :  284-5 
(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  DT.  to  Com"  of  Conspiracies 
for  Dutchess  County  by  Virtue  of  an  Act  of 
the  Legislature  passed  5th  Febry  1778  — 

To  Zephaniah  Piatt,  between  6th  April  1778  & 
Ist  Jany  1780  —  90  days  @  20/  $  day  | 
.£90  —  u —  reduc'd  at  160  for  100  j 

To  Thomas  Moffat  between  10th  June  1778  &] 
27th  of  same  Month  15  days  @  20/.  . .  . 
.£15  —  „  —  reduc'd  at  160  for  100  

To  Joseph  Strang  between  22d  June  1778  &] 

Ist  April  1779  —  13  days  @  20/  

£\t,  —  „  —  reduc'd  at  160  for  100  

To  Peter  Cantine  JunT  between  15th  Nov1"] 
1779  &  20th  of  same  Month  —  6  days  @  20/ 
£6  —   —  reduc'd  at  160  for  100  

Audited  19th  April  1785 


56, 


9  ./   7  //  6 


M    2a  6 


3*  15* 


State  of  New  York  Dr  to  Joseph  Strang  One  of 
the  Commissioners  for  detecting  &  defeating 
Conspiracies  in  Dutchess  County 


Days 


To  my  Services  as  Commissi  from  19th  March 
to  May  5th  1777  both  days  included  

To  ditto  from  23d  June  to  4th  July  1778  

To  ditto  from  13th  Aug1  to  4th  Sept1-  1778 .... 

To  ditto  14th  &  15th  Septr  1778  looking  about 
to  carry  some  Persons  to  be  sent  off  

To  my  Services  as  Commissr  Ist  &  2d  Octr 
1778  attending  the  Commissr.s  at  Poug- 
kepsie  &  preparing  to  send  Persons  off  

To  ditto  from  Ist  to  10th  Novr  1778  notify- 
ing such  Persons  as  were  directed  to  go 
within  the  Enemies  Lines  &  sending  them 
off  


'5 


IS 


4* 


48$  days 


48*  days  @  20  $  day  reduc'd  at  160  100   30  „  6  (,  3 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


8 


*9 


i778 


Audited 
Accounts  _ 
A  *  284-5  ^eI3t  4  10  Cash  paid  John  Haynes 
(NYSL)       for  l6 

days  riding  in  Service  >  26  „  —  „  — 
of  Commissioners 
To  ditto  p'1  Samuel  Lyon  for  noti- 
fying Evidences  &  other  Ser-  >■   3  u  —  „,  — 


vices 

To  ditto  paid  for  Paper  &  Quills. 


1  «  4 


30  *  1  „ 4 

.63°  «  1  u  4  reduc'd  at  400  for  100  is  Specie. . . 


«  10  /;  4 


37  //  16  „  7 


Cr 


1785 


April  19  By  an  Acco'  audited  this  day  for   8  „  2  „  6 

Audited  19th  October  1785  — 


29 


14  1 


Audited  state  of  New  York  Dr  to  Ebenezer  Purdy 
Accounts 

A  ;  316  as  0ne  °f  tne  Commiss .  for  detecting 
(NYSL)  Conspiracies 

To  Cash  paid  for  hire  of  Guards  &  their 
Expences  while  in  Service  

Audited  25th  February  1786 


Audited  State  of  New  York  to  Charles  R.  ^Vebste^ 
Accounts        „  ^ 

1783  Dr. 


B  :  44 
(NYSL) 


April  14  To  inserting  in  the  New  York 
Gazetteer  an  Act  entitled  an  Act  to  repeal 
an  Act  entitled  An  Act  to  revive  the  Laws 
appointing  Commissioners  for  detecting  & 
defeating  Conspiracies  &  to  give  certain 
powers  to  Magistrates  &  Courts  therein 
mention'd  passed  the  27th  March  1783  making 
in  the  said  paper  s,\  squares  at  8/  $  square .  .  . 

Audited  25th  August  1786 


820 


State  of  New  York 


Audited    State  of  New  York  to  Josiah  Ingersol 
A  c  counts 

g  .  12j  To  Certain  services  performed  for  the  State 
(NYSL)  at  the  Request  of  Zephaniah  Piatt  and 
Egbert  Benson  late  Commissioners  for 
Conspiracies  &c  in  transporting  Certain 
quantities  of  Beef  and  having  the  same 
Smooked  to  prevent  it  from  Spoiling  in 

the  year  1779   

Sworn  to  by  Egbert  Benson 
Aud  22  Novr  1787 


Dr 


Audited 
Accounts 
B  :  190 
(NYSL) 


The  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies  &c 

To  Robert  Hoffman 
C* 

To  3  Barrell  of  Superfine  Flour    130  each 

at  30/  fi  hundred 
To  3  Barril  @  2/6  each 


Sworn  to  by  Stephen  Hendrickson  and 

Robert  Hoffman 
th 


£  8 


Audited  June  30  1789. 


STATE  TREASURER 
Day  Book,  Vol. 2  —  April,  1778  to  September,  1784 
(Archives  of  New  York  State  Library) 


April  28*h  1778 
Jeremiah  V:  Rensselaer,  Isaac  D.  Fonda  &c  the 
Commissi  of  Conspiracy   in   Albany  ap- 
pointed by  virtue  of  the  late  Law.  DT. 
To  Cash  1933. 

July  i?4  1778 
Sundry  Accounts  Dr  To  Cash  viz* 
Zephaniah   Piatt   &c   the  Commissioners  of 

Conspiracy  at  Poughkepsie  last 

appd  2002. 


£ 

s 

1000 

1500 

Audited 
Accounts 
B:si2-2i3 

(NYSL) 


State  of  New  York  DT.  to  Teunis  Tappen,  appointed  by  the  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating 
Conspiracies  in  the  State  of  New  York  to  Supply  the  Prisoners  Confined  by  them  with  Bread  — 


1779 
July 


Aug4 

Sept 

Octo 
Nov 
Dec 

1780 
Jany 
Febr 
March 
Apr1 
May 
June 
July 

Aug1 
Sept 
Octo 
Nov 

Decr 

1781 
Jany 
Feby 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 

Augt 
Sept 
Octo 
Nov 
Decm 
1782 
Jany 
Feby 

March 

Apr1 

May 

June 
July 


1778 
Octor 

1779 
W 

1781 
June  1 
July  16 
1782 
My 


To  D° 
To  D° 

To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 

To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 


To  flour  by  him  furnished  for  the  use  of  the  Prison- 
ers Committed  by  order  of  the  Commissioners 
for  Detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  &?from 
the  16th  day  of  July  1779  until  the  31st  day  of 
the  same  Mon 

To  D°  from  the 
of  the  same  M 

To  D°  from  the 
the  same  Mon 

To  D°  from  the 


D°. . 
D°. . 

D0.. 
D0.. 
D°.  . 
D°.  . 
D°.  . 
D°.. 
D0.. 

D°.. 
D°.  . 
D°.  . 
D0.. 


To  D°  D°. 


To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 

To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 
To  D° 

To  D° 
To  P° 

To  D° 
To  D° 
ToD° 

To  D° 
To  D° 


D°. 
D°. 
D°. 
D°. 
D°. 
D°. 
D°. 

D°. 
D°. 
D°. 
D°. 
D°. 

D°. 
D°. 

D°. 
D°. 
D°. 

D°. 

D°. 


h  Quantity  

1  Day  of  August  1779  until  31st 
nth 

1  Day  of  Sept  1779  until  30  of 
h 

Day  of  Octo  1779  until  30  of  theD0  . 

D°  Nov—     D°   until   D°. 

D°  Decern     D°   until  3lat. .  ..D°. 

D°Jany  17S0  until  31st  D0.. 


D°  Feb' 

D°  March  D° 

D°  April  D" 

D°  May  D° 

D°  June  D° 

D°  July  D° 


D°  Aug' 
D°  Sept 
D°  Octo 
D°  Nov 

D°  Dec1' 


D° 
D° 
D° 
D° 

D° 


D°  31  D°. 

D°  30  D°. 

D°  ^1  D°. 

D°  30  D°. 


D° Jany  17S1 

D°  Feby  D° 

D°  March  D° 

D°  April  D° 

D°  May  D° 

D°  June  D° 

D°  July  D° 


D°  30. 

D°  31. 
D°  28. 

D°  30. 
D°3i. 
D°  30. 
D°  31. 


D°  Augt 
D°  Sept 
D°  Octo 
D°  Nov 
D°  Dec"1 


D° 
D° 
D° 
D° 
D° 


D°Jany  1782 
D°  Feby  D° 


D°  Mar 
D°  Apr1 
D°  May 


D° 
D° 
D° 


D°3i. 
D°  28. 

D°  31. 
D°  30" 
D°  31. 


.  D  . . 
.D0.. 

.  D°. . 
.D°.. 

.D0.. 


D°  June  D° 
D°  July  D° 


D°  30  D0  .. 

D°  30  D°... 


16  at  ,£20. 


Cont1  f, 


1  at  D"  D° 


D°  until  28  D0..  . 

D°  31  D°... 

D°  30  D°... 

D°  31st  D°. .  . 

D°  30th  D°... 

D°  3l8t  D°... 


.D°... 

.D°... 
D°... 
.D°... 
.D°... 
.D°... 
.D°... 
.D°... 


D°  31  D°... 

D°  30  D°... 

D°  31  D°... 

D°  31  D°. .. 

D°  30  D°... 


26  at  D? 

10  @  24 
,  18  @  D° 
1  o@£4Q 


D° 
D° 
D° 
D° 


4  „  o  „  24  @  60  D° 
3„o„22@  D°  D° 
3„i*i7@    D°  D° 


124  / 


252  , 
191  , 
204, 


13 


,   1  @  163 1  for  100 

6  @  1709  D° 

o  @  1908  D° 

10  @  2151  D° 

2  @  2433  D° 

0  @  2741  D° 

2@3"5  D° 

9  ©  3533  D° 

1  @  4000  D° 


•  4 

11 0  // 

8 

•4 

11  2  „ 

5 

•4 

11  I  n 

0 

•  5 

11  I  // 

26 

.0 

11  3  a 

19 

.0 

a  2  // 

22 

.  1 

a  in 

9 

•3 

11  2  » 

24 

■5 

11  On 

2 

•  3 

11  3  // 

14 

.2 

11  3  11 

25 

■  3 

11  1  « 

*9 

a  2 

11  1  « 

24 

.2 

20 

.  1 

16 

.  1 

a  '  « 

16 

.2 

«  1  11 

14 

.2 

a  0  // 

24 

.  1 

//  3  // 

3 

.  1 

11  1  // 

24 

7 

a  1  « 

.2 

//  0  « 

6 

15  //  3  a  26  at  40/  in  Specie. 
5//  in  15  ©32/  do  

12  „  3  *  13  at  28  /  


24/ 


l  at  24/. 


C  qr  it 
1 1  11  I  11  1 1 

C    qr  tt 


I  20/. 


C  q' 


4  „  1  „  8  at  18/3. 
12  „  o  „  o  @  23/. . 


ToD°     D°....i  D°  Aug1     D°     D°  15  days  j 

To  May  1783  of  Which  the  Account  is  lost  about )  *  "  " 

Thomas  Greves8  Account  for  services  by  him  performed  by  order  of  the  Commissioners  &c  £5  „o  „o  Con 

tinental  at  500  for  100  

To  Thomas  Corbins  D°  for  like  Services  35  u  18  „o  D°  at  796. . .  .do 


To  James  Rosekrance  D°  D°  D° 
To  David  Elliot  D°  D°  D° 

To  David  Elliot  2d  Acco1  D°  .  .  D° 

Audited  i?'  December  1789 


in  Specie 
D° 


3i 


13 
176 


£20S 


18 


IS 


16 


16 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts  821 


July  12th  1778 

£ 

s 

j 
u 

Jeremiah   V   Renselaer   &c   the   Comm"  of 

Conspiracy  at  Albany       to  Cash  2037  

1000 

— 

August  28*h  1778 

Zephaniah  Piatt  &°  Commissioners  of  Con- 

spiracy Dr  To  Cash  2038  

500 

— 

— 

O          4  ......  1                ,    ,      1  1  ___0 

September  25  1778 

Sundry  Accounts  Dr  To  Cash  viz' 

Zepheniah  Piatt  &°  Commrs  of  Conspiracy  2067  

500 

— 

— 

November  8,  1778 

Sundry  Accounts  D    lo  Cash  viz. 

Zephaniah  Piatt  &:  Commissioners  of 

ConspY   in   part   of    the   ,£3000  Credit 

by  a  Law  passed  the  [blank]  2084 

500 

— 

— 

Tanuarv  i?1  I77Q 

Sundry  Accounts  Dr  To  Cash  viz' 

Zephaniah  Piatt  &?  the  Comm^  of 

2000 

— 

— 

T  St 

January  1  1779 

Sundry  Accounts  D  To  Cash  viz. 

402 1 

17 

6 

January  is1.11  1779 

Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  &c  The  Albany  ComTs 

Conspiracy  Dr 

To  Rooseboom  Bancker  &  White  for  so  much 

J  McKesson  received  from  them  & 

paid  you  .£500  u  —  u  — 

To  Leonard  Gansevoort  Treasurer  of  the 

Co.  of  Albany  for  my  Draft  on 

L  Gansevoort                                         500  „  —  (/  — 

1000 

for  the  above  two  Sums  See  their  Order  & 

J  McKessons  Receipt 

May  31?*  1779 

Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  8t?  Dr 

1500 

822 


State  of  New  York 


June  30  1779 
Zephaniah  Piatt  &?    Dr  (May  29th) 

To  Cash  Advanced  to  them  a[s]  Comm^  of 
Conspiracy  2258 

October  15?11  1779 
Sundry  Accounts  D?    To  Cash  viz? 

Zeph1?  Piatt  &a  on  Acco?  2279 

October  21s.1  1779 
Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer  &?  DT 
To  Cash  p?  Matthew  Fisher1  one  of  the 
Comm?s  of  Conspiracy  of  the  County  of 
Albany  2281 

November  i8?h  1779 
Sundry  Accounts  Dr  To  Cash  viz? 

Zephaniah  Piatt       Comm?s  of  Conspiracy  2368 

September  23"?  1780 
Sundry  Acco?3  D?  To  Cash  viz? 
Zephh  Piatt         Commrs  of  Conspiracy  the 

Ballance  of  an  Account  this  day  settled  2503 A. 


January  29?h  1781 

Cash  Dr  To  Zephaniah  Piatt  &*  a  repaym*  of 
.£2000.  which  they  had  not  Credited  in  their 
Account  Audited  &  Settled  at  Poughkeepsie  

To  State  of  N  Y  re?  of  ditto  the  forfeited 
Recognizance  of  Peter  Storm  

of  ditto.  . .  ,D°  of  Jas  Hammond  junr  

June  12th  1781 
Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer  &  Co  CommTs  of  Con- 
spiracy Dr 
To  Cash  paid  them  the  16th  December  last 
£  41  „  N  E.  at  40.  the  then  Exchange  261 1 


1500 


56 


400 

268 


1640, 


'  Visscher. 


Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


823 


September  17th  1781 
Sundry  Accounts  Dr  To  Cash  viz' 
Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  &?  Commissioners  of 

Conspiracy  in  Albany  £160  

N.  E  2783  £160  


November  io'h  1781 

Joseph  Gasherie  Cornelius  Schoonmaker  and 
Cornelius  E  Wynkoop  Commrs  of  Conspiracy  DT 
To  Cash  2809    .£40  „  —  „  — 

Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer        CommP5  of  Con- 
spiracy 2812  76  „  —  u  — 


January  16  1782 
Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  &  Co. 
To  Cash  ^73  «  14  »  —  N  E 


2823 


March  n1.11  1782 
Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  &  Co  Dr 
To  Cash  paid  Leonard   Gansevoort  jum" 
their  Order  ^350  N  Emission  2831 

January  29  1784 
Sundry  Accounts    Dr    To  Cash  viz' 
Honeywell,  Purdy  &  Rockw!  Comm" 

Conspy  for  \V:  Chester  £20  „  —  „  —  2984 

February  20th  1784 
State  of  New  York    Dr    To  Cash 
pd  Ab.  DePeyster  Clerk  of  Commrs 
ConspY  ^50  — 

May  5th  1784 
State  of  New  York  Dr     To  Sundry  Accounts 


2989 


£ 


3000 


5700 


552; 


26250 


1500 


3750 


To  Alexander  Webster,  Ebenezer  Clark, 
Alexander  McNitt  and  John  McClung 
Commissioners  of  Conspy  in  Charlotte 
County  for  Amount  of  their  Acco's  of 

Contingencies  say    Ball  3027 

£  155  u  16  „  2}  


116H5 


17 


824 


State  of  New  York 


May  24th  1784 
Zephaniah  Piatt         the  Commissrs  of  Con- 
spiracy at  Poughkeepsie  Df    To  Cash  p? 
R  Harpur   one  of   the   Members   of  that 
Board  3165  .6 100  

May  24th  1784 
State  of  New  York  D?  To  Sundry  Accounts  viz* 
To  Zephaniah  Piatt  &*:  for  the  pay  of  Robert 
Harpur  a  Member  of  the  Board  of  Comm" 
of  Conspiracy  3165  £  156  u  12  „  — 

September  3^  1784 
Sundry  Accots  Dr  To  Cash  viz? 
Zep^  Piatt  &?  p?  R.  Harpr 
3336    £56  12  — 


7500 


1 1 745 


4245 


1778 


Sep1  23 
April  28 

July  1 

July  12 
Aug1  12 

28 


STATE  TREASURER 
Accounts  —  May,  1775  to  January,  1797 
(Archives  of  New  York  State  Library) 


£ 

s. 

d-| 

By  Cash  from  Egbert  Benson  &?  Comm"  of 

Conspiracy 

47 

17 

4 

To  Cash  pd  Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer,  Isaac 

D  Fonda  &?  Commissioners  for  detecting 

Conspiracies  *933 

1000 

To  Cash  p^  Zephaniah  Piatt  &c  the  new 

App?    Commissioners    of  Conspiracy. 

diff1  Paymts  2002 

1500 

To  d?  pcl  Serg1  David  Mills  pay  of  a  party 

to  apprehend  disaffected  persons  2023 

50 

To  d?  pd  Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer  &c  the 

Comm"  of  Conspiracy  in  Albany  on 

Account  2037 

1000 

To  d?  p?  Piatt  &?  the  Coram"  of  Con- 

spiracy at  Poughkepsie  on  Acco'  2038 

500 

Appendix  II  :  Financial  Accounts 


Sept*.  25 

To  d?  pd  Zephaniah  Piatt  &c  the  Commiss™ 

of    Conspiracy    at    Poughkepsie  on 

£ 

s 

Acco.  2067 

500 

— 

Nov.  8 

To  Cash  pd  Zephaniah  Piatt  &c  the  last 
Appointed  Commissioners  of  Conspiracy 
in  part   of  the  .63000  Cr  by  a  Late 

Law  2084 

500 

— 

— 

1779 

Jany  1 

Paid  Zephaniah  Piatt  &c  the  Commissi 

of  Conspiracy  at  Poughkeepsie  on  Acco'  2098 

2000 

1 

Paid  Egbert  Benson  &c  Coram"  of  Con- 

spy  2104 

4021 

17 

6 

May  31 

Paid  Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  &c  Commrs 

Conspy  at  Albany  2247 

1500 

June  30 

Paid  ZepP  Piatt  &c  Commrs  Conspiracy  on 

Acco1-  2258 

1500 

— 

Octobr  1 5 

Paid  Zeph  Piatt  &c  Commrs  Conspiracy  2279 

2000 



21 

Paid  Jeremiah  V  Rensselaer  &? 

Com.  Conspy  2281 

2000 





Novr  18 

Paid  Zephh  Piatt  &c  Commrs  Seq"  [sic]  2368 

2000 



1780 

Sep.  23 

Paid  Zephaniah  Piatt  &c  Comm"  Conspy  A2503 

56 

O 

I  I 

1781 

June  6 

Paid  Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer 

Com.  Conspy                                      261 1 

1640 

Sep1  17 

Paid  Jer"  V.  Rensselaer  &c  Commissioners 

of  Conspiracy                  £160  2783 

1 2000 





Nov-r  19 

Paid  Gasherie  Sclioonmaker  &  Wynkoop 

Comm"  Conspiracy  .640  2809 

3000 

19 

Paid  Jer:  V.  Rensselaer  &  Com.Cons:  £j6  2812 

5700 

1 78 1 

Jany  29 

From  Zeph  Piatt  &c  Com.  Conspy  ' 

2000 

From  d?  for  Sundry  Forfeited  Recognizances 

668 

1782 

Jany  16 

Paid  Jer:  V  Rensselaer  &  Com: 

Consp:    N  E  £73  „  14  —  2823 

5527 

IO 

March  11 

Paid  Jer:  V  Rensselaer  &c  Com:  Cons: 

NE£35Q  2831 

26250 

1  This  item  is  out  of  order  in  the  original. 


826 


State  of  New  York 


1784 

JanX  29 


FebV  20 
May  5 
May  24 

Sep*  3 
October  11 


12 
12 

Nov.  20 


25 

1785 
April  12 

12 
H 

18 

May  7 
October  21 
Decern  r  20 


Specie 


Continental 


10  xioney well ,  ruray  oc  kock- 
well,  Commiss  Consp .  W. 

£ 

s 

d 

£ 

s 

(1 

* 

U 

1 500 

if 

A 

Commiss;  Cons.  ^50 ;/ —  ^—2989 

5° 

* 

375° 

IO  W  cDSLcr,                OC  -  111  pail 

(Commissi  Conspiracy)  3027 

34 

a 
0 

3 

25OO 

1 0 

1 0  At  j jneni an  iria.Lt  <x .  ^oiu- 

miss:  Consp.  at  Poughkeep- 

sie  p^  R.  Harpur,  a  mcmr  of 

mat  uoaru                           3 1 0  5 

100 

it 

u 

75°° 

M 

To  Zephaniah  Piatt  8cc.  p? 

R.  Harpur  Conspiracies  3336 

56 

12 

u 

4245 

■ 

n 

Paid  Gilbert  Livingston,  Com- 

missi of  Conspiry  3377 

163 

2 

m 

Paid  Rynier  Mynderse  Com1" 

Conspir^  for  Schen?r  3378 

eft 
5° 

u 

u 

Paid  Andrew  Renex  Ditto  3379 

'4 

a 

Paid  Hugh  Mitchell  Ditto  3380 

66 

" 

Paid  Jeremiah  V.  Renselaer  &C? 

Com?  ConspuT  3449 

*949 

1 1 

i 

Paid    Rynier    Mynderse  &C? 

Coms  ConspX  3454 

u  z 

u 

Paid  Egbert  Benson  &C? 

Com?  Consp^  3670 

# 

H 

Paid  Robert  Harpur  D?  3671 

c 

J 

u 

Paid  Zepheniah  Piatt  &?  Com- 

miss: Consp V  3684 

64 

16 

Paid  Gasherie,  Schoonmaker  & 

Wynkoop,    the   Ballance  of 

their  Account       C.  C.  3688 

4 

19 

M 

Paid  Zeph?  Piatt   &C?  Com!"5 

Conspiracy  3718 

56 

5 

U 

Paid  Joseph  Strang,  a  Comf  of 

Conspy  3908 

29 

«4 

I 

Paid  Joseph  Strang,  a  Commiss1" 

of  Conspiracy  3974 

8 

2 

6 

Appendix  II :  Financial  Accounts  827 


1786 

Januar  23? 

1787 
Novemr  24 


Paid  Peter  Cantine,  late  Commissf 
Conspi.  4021 

Paid  Egbert  Benson  for  so  much 
Adv1.1  by  him  as  Commissioner 
of  Conspiracy  5^5^ 

1791 

November  19^  Paid  Thomas  Moffat,  as  a  Com- 
missioner of  Conspiracy  7053 

1792 

January  14  Paid  Thomas  Moffat  a  Ball*:6  due 
to  Moffat,  Wissner  &  Cooper, 
Commissi  of  Conspiracy  for 
Orange  7085 


'5 


42 


APPENDIX  III 

MISCELLANEA 


FIRST  GENERAL   COMMISSION   OF  COMMISSIONERS 
FOR  CONSPIRACIES 

The  People  of  the  State  of  New  York  by  the  Grace  Rev  Mss 
of  God  free  and  Independant    To  William  Wills,  Soverinas   4o  :  156 
Cock,  and  James  McMasters  of  the  County  of  Tryon,  John  (compt.) 
M  Beekman  Jeremiah  V.  Rensselaer,  Isaac  Fonda,  Matthew 
Vischer  Hugh  Mitchel  Cornelius  Humfrey,  John  M^Clung 
and  Peter  Wynkoop  of  the  County  of  Albany,  Cornelius  C 
Wynkoop,  Cornelius  C  Schoonmaker,  and  Peter  Cantine  1778 
(Son  of  Matthew  Cantine  Esquire)  of  the  County  of  Ulster,    Apr"  * 
Israel  Honeywell  Jonathan  G.  Tomkins  and  Joseph  Strang 
of  the  County  of  West  Chester,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Egbert 
Benson  and  Israel  Thompson  of  the  County  of  Dutchess, 
Henry  Wisner,  Thomas  Moffat  and  Gilbert  Cuyper,  of  the 
County  of  Orange,   and  Alexander  Webster,  Alexander 
M'rNitt,  and  Ebenezer  Clark  of  the  County  of  Charlotte 
Esquires  Greeting,    Know  ye  that  pursuant  to  two  certain 
Acts  of  the  Legislature  of  our  Said  State  the  one  entitled: 
"An  Act  to  appoint  Commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeat- 
ing Conspiracies  and  declaring  their  powers,"  and  the  other 
entitled,  "An  Act  for  encreasing  the  Number  of  Commis- 
sioners for  detecting  and  defeating  Conspiracies  within  this 
State."    We  have  appointed  constituted  and  assigned,  and  by 

these  presents  do  appoint  constitute  and  assign  you  the  said 

829 


83o 


State  of  New  York 


William  Wills  Soverinas  Cock,  James  McMasters,  John  M 
Beekman,  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer,  Isaac  Fonda,  Matthew 
Vischer,  Hugh  Mitchell,  Cornelius  Humfrey,  John  McClung, 
Peter  Wynkoop,  Cornelius  C  Wynkoop  Cornelius  C  Schoon- 
maker,  Peter  Cantine,  Israel  Honeywell,  Jonathan  G.  Tom- 
kins,  Joseph  Strang,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Egbert  Benson,  Israel 
Thompson,  Henry  Wisner,  Thomas  Moffat,  Gilbert  Cuyper, 
Alexander  Webster,  Alexander  M-Nitt  and  Ebenezer  Clark 
Commissioners  for  enquiring  into  detecting  and  defeating  all 
Conspiracies  which  may  be  formed  in  this  State  against  the 
Liberties  of  America,  with  full  power  and  Authority  to  you 
and  any  and  every  three  of  you  to  do  and  perform  the  several 
Acts  Matters  and  Things  in  the  said  two  several  Acts  men- 
tioned, which  by  you  or  any  three  of  you  as  Commissioners  as 
aforesaid  may  be  lawfully  done  and  performed.  In  Tes- 
timony whereof  we  have  caused  these  our  Letters  to  be  made 
Patent  and  the  Great  Seal  of  our  said  State  to  be  hereunto 
affixed.  Witness  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  George  Clin- 
ton Esquire  Governor  of  our  said  State,  General  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  all  the  Militia  and  Admiral  of  the  Navy 
of  the  same  the  fourth  Day  of  April  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy  eight. 

Geo:  Clinton 

By  His  Excellency's  Command, 
Jn?  Morin  Scott  Secretary 

A  true  Copy,  Examined  by  me, 
Teunis  Tappan  SecV 

Endorsed: 

App-  of  Commissioners  of 
Conspiracy  4^  April  1778. 


Appendix  III  :  Miscellanea 


831 


OATHS' 

I   do  solemnly  swear  and  declare  in 

the  presence  of  Almighty  God  that  I  ought  not  and  do  not 
acknowledge  any  Allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Brittain, 
his  Heirs  or  Successors  or  any  power  or  Authority  of  the 
Parliament  of  the  said  Kingdom  of  Great  Brittain,  and  that  I 
will  bear  true  faith  and  Allegiance  to  the  State  of  New  York 
as  a  free  and  Independant  State,  and  that  I  will  in  all  things 
to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  Ability  do  my  Duty  as  a 
good  Subject  of  the  said  State  ought  to  do,  So  help  me  God, 

Ebenezar  Allen  Joseph  Greenman 

Adam  Vrooman  Benjamin  Greenman  ju^ 

Daniel  Chase  Mindert  Van  Hoesan 

his  Jeremije  mullr 

Jonathan     X     Chase  his 

Mark  William    X  Bartel 

James  X  Lake  Mark 
Daniel  Mosher  his 
[S ignaiures]lshme\  Reynolds  Mathewis     X  Pool 

his  Mark 
John     X    Van  Hining  his 

Mark  Tobias    X  Salsbury 

Charles  Near  Mark 

his  John  Cobham2 

Nicholas    X  Boss 
Mark 
his 

Jacob     X  Finehout 
Mark 
his 

Peter    X  Finehout 
Mark 

1  From  the  manuscript  minutes,  vol   i,  pp.  240-243. 

2  These  signatures  were  attached  to  the  oath  at  various  times  in  1778 
and  1779. 


832 


State  of  New  York 


I    do  hereby  solemnly  without  any  mental  Reser- 

vation or  Equivocation  whatsoever  swear  and  declare  and 
call  God  to  witness  that  I  renounce  and  Adjure  all  Allegi- 
ance to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  that  I  will  bear  true 
Faith  and  Allegiance  to  the  State  of  New  York  as  a  free 
and  Independant  State,  and  that  I  will  in  all  Things  to  the 
best  of  my  Knowledge  and  Ability  do  my  Duty  as  a  good 
and  faithful  Subject  of  the  said  State  ought  to  do  —  so  help 
me  God  — 

Sworn  12th  Aug1  1782I        Arch?  McNeil 
before  me  at  Albany/  [Signatures] 
Sam!  Stringer  Justice. 


The  above  Oath  administred  by 
me  to  Abner   Darling  the  io*h       Abner  Darling 
Day  of  October  1782.  [Signatures) 
John  M:  Beeckman  Justice 


I  do  solemnly  and  without  any  mental  Reser- 
vation or  equivocation  whatsoever  Swear  and  call  God  to 
Witness  that  I  beleive  &r  acknowledge  the  State  of  New 
York  to  be  of  Right  a  free  and  Independent  State  and  that 
no  authority  or  power  can  of  right  be  exercised  in  or  over 
the  said  State  but  what  is  or  shall  be  granted  by  or  derived 
from  the  People  thereof  and  further  that  as  a  good  Subject 
of  the  said  free  and  Independant  State  of  New  York  I  will 
to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  Ability  faithfully  do  my 
duty,  and  as  I  shall  keep  or  disregard  this  Oath  so  help  and 
deal  with  me  Almighty  God. 

John  Visger  Duncan  MacDougall 

Volckert  Van  Vesrhten         Corns  Van  Schelluvne 

©  J 

[Signatures]  R*  Bleecker 


Appendix  III  :  Miscellanea 


833 


[Signatures]  Rob1  Clench 

John  Glen 
Hendrick  Frey 
John  Duncan 
Barnet  Stilwell 
Peter  W.  Yates 
Henry  Ten  Eyck 
Gysbert  Fonda 
Corn*  Glen 
Daniel  Campbell 
James  Ellice 


I  Leonard  Gansevoort  Junr  Clerk  to  the  Commissioners 
of  the  County  of  Albany  appointed  for  detecting  &  defeat- 
ing all  Conspiracies  which  may  be  formed  in  this  State 
against  the  Liberties  of  America  do  most  solemnly  swear 
in  the  Presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  keep  secret  all 
such  Matters  as  shall  be  given  me  in  Charge  by  the  said 
Commissioners  and  that  I  shall  remain  under  such  Injunc- 
tion till  discharged  therefrom  by  the  said  Commissioners  — 

Leond  Gansevoort  Junri 

CERTIFICATION  OF  TORIES. 

To  lohn  Morin  Scott  Esqr  Secretarv  of  the  State  of  New  York 
]vt       v    ,  Col.  MSS. 

JNew  York  —  IOi  :  i49 

We  John  M.  Beekman,  Mathew  Visscher  and  Isaac  D.   ^  ^ 

Fonda  Esq"  Commissioners  appointed  for  enquiring  into  1778 


detecting  and  defeating  all  Conspiracies  which  may  be 
formed  in  this  State  against  the  Liberties  of  America  agree- 
able to  the  Directions  of  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  New  York  entitled  "an  Act  more  effectually  to  prevent  the 

1  The  entire  oath  is  in  Gansevoort's  handwriting,  and  was  subscribed  to 
by  him  on  April  24,  1778.    For  facsimile  see  Vol.  I,  p.  292. 


Sept.  22. 


§34 


State  of  New  York 


Mischiefs  arising  from  the  Influence  and  Example  of  Persons 
of  equivocal  and  suspected  Characters  in  this  State"  do 
hereby  certify  that  in  Pursuance  of  the  said  Act  we  have 
caused  the  following  Persons  to  come  before  us  viz.1  David 
Van  Schaack  of  the  District  of  Kinderhook  on  the  Thirtieth 
Day  of  August  last,  Nicholas  Stevens  of  the  Township  of 
Schonectady  on  the  Fifteenth  Day  of  August  last,  Henry  Van 
Schaack  of  the  District  of  Kinderhook  on  the  Seventeenth 
Day  of  August  last,  and  Lambert  Burghart  of  the  District 
of  Kinderhook  on  the  twenty  first  Day  of  August  last  Alex- 
ander Campbell  of  the  Township  of  Schonectady  on  the 
Seventh  Day  of  September  Instant  and  Martin  Crom  of 
Claverack  District  on  the  Fourteenth  Day  of  September 
Instant  and  offered  to  administer  to  them  respectively  the 
Oath  therein  mentioned  which  the  said  David  Van  Schaack, 
Nicholas  Stevens,  Henry  Van  Schaack  Lambert  Burghart, 
Alexander  Campbell  and  Martin  Crom  severally  refused  to 
take  As  Witness  our  Hands  and  seals  this  twenty  second 
Day  of  September  in  the  Year  One  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  seventy  eight 

John  M:  Beeckman  [Seal] 
Mat:  Visscher  [Seal] 
Isaac  D  Fonda  [Seal]1 

ColW  mssl     List  of  the  Names  of  Persons  who  have  refused  to  take  the 
(NYSL)   Oath  prescribed  by  a  Law  of  this  State  to  be  taken  by  Persons 
of  neutral  and  equivocal  Characters  and  who  have  in  Con- 
178^    sequence  thereof  been  removed  within  the  Enemy's  Lines 
or  detained  by  his  Excellency  the  Governor  for  Exchange. 
Richard  Cartwright         Richard  Minifee 
Peter  Vosburgh  John  Stevenson 

Lowrence  Goes  Absolorn  Woodworth 

1  The  body  of  this  document  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Leonard  Ganse- 
voort,  Jr.,  and  is  signed  by  the  Commissioners. 


Appendix  III  :  Miscellanea 


S35 


Harmen  Pruyn  J°lin  dimming 

William  Rea  Isaac  Man 

Barent  Van  Der  Pool        John  Kortz  Junr 

Andries  Huyck  Alexander  White 

Benjamin  Baker  1  Dirck  Gardinier 

Henry  Van  Dyck  Mathew  Goes  Junr 

James  Dole  \/  John  D.  Goes 

Marte  Van  Buren  Jonn  Van  Alen 

David  Van  Schaack        Henry  Van  Schaack 

Nicholas  Stevens  i/Lambert  Burghart 

John  Thurman  Alexander  Campbell 

Peter  Van  Schaack       i/Martin  Crom 

Andries  Ten  Eyck 
Those  marked  (V)  were  to  have  been  sent  down  with  the 
Van  Schaack's  but  secreted  themselves  and  could  not  then  be 
found  and  are  now  at  their  respective  Homes  —  they  with 
the  Van  Schaacks  &c  had  been  reserved  for  Exchange  by  the 
Governor. 

Stewart  Dean  ]  Commissi 

Albany  8  Feb^- 1783     John  M.  Beeckman  !>  for 

Sam!  Stringer  J  Conspiracies1 

Endorsed:  Return  of 

the  Persons 
banished  by 
by  Commiss" 
at  Albany 

AN  EXCHANGE. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency.  New  York 

Having  been  a  Prisoner  on  Parole  to  the  Commissioners  of  CoL  MSS- 
0  102  :  19 

Conspiracy  for  these  two  years  past,  &  confined  to  the  Town  (NYSL) 
of  Schenectady,  not  being  allowed  to  reside  on  my  Farm,  —  I78i 

Mar.  30. 

1  The  body  of  this  document  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Leonard  Ganse- 
voort,  Jr.,  and  is  signed  by  the  Commissioners. 


836 


State  of  New  York 


my  Property  not  protected; —  These,  with  other  Reasons, 
induce  me  to  wish  for  Permission  to  remove  to  Canada  with 
my  Family. —  I  have  therefore]  presumed  to  apply  to  your 
Excellency  for  Permission  to  be  exchanged  for  some  Citizen 
of  this  State  now  a  Prisoner  in  Canada,  and  that  I  may  be 
allowed  to  go  under  the  Protection  of  the  first  public  Flagg. — 
I  will  do  myself  the  Honor  to  wait  personally  upon  your  Ex- 
cellency at  any  Hour  that  may  be  convenient. —  An  Answer 
from  your  Excellency  will  much  oblige, 
Your  most  obedient 

&  very  humble  serv- 
His  Excellency  John  Stuart. 

Governor  Clinton. 

Albany  March  30th  1781 

I  hereby  signify  my  Consent  and  Approbation  to  the  Ex- 
change of  John  Stuart  agreable  to  his  above  Request. 
Given  at  Albany  this  30th  March  1781 

Geo:  Clinton 

Addressed:  Endorsed: 

To  John  Stuart  permitted  to  be 

His  Excellency  exchanged  by  the  Gov- 

Governor  Clinton  ernor 

Albany  March  30th  1781 

filed  in  the  Secretary's  Of- 
fice the  30th  day  of  March 
1781  — 


See  Analytical  Index 
Vol.  III. 


